Due to logging, land-use changes, and fire exclusion and suppression,
the extent of the longleaf pine ecosystem has declined
to approximately 2.2% (or 1 million hectares) of the acreage prior
to European settlement (Wahlenburg, 1946; Frost, 2006). Currently,
about 11 million hectares of pine plantations, predominately
loblolly and slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.), occupy the
former longleaf pine range (Frost, 2006). In recent decades, much
effort has been invested in restoring the longleaf pine ecosystem
to its native range, in large part to conserve biodiversity