Influence of agricultural crops adjacent to forest on woody species browsing: Is it advantageous to have a tasty neighbour?

0472466 - ÚBO 2017 RIV CZ eng J - Journal Article
Kamler, J. - Homolka, Miloslav
Influence of agricultural crops adjacent to forest on woody species browsing: Is it advantageous to have a tasty neighbour?
Journal of Forest Science. Roč. 62, č. 1 (2016), s. 41-46. ISSN 1212-4834
Institutional support: RVO:68081766
Keywords : Browsing * Diet selection * Impact * Large herbivores
Subject RIV: EH - Ecology, Behaviour

Preference of biotopes and selection of food by wild herbivores are more complicated in a cultural landscape used for agriculture than in natural conditions. Agricultural management significantly affects the feeding as well as cover conditions of the environment and changes in quality and accessibility of food sources occur throughout the year. We studied the consumption of agricultural crops and impact on tree shoots by herbivores in a mosaic landscape. Large herbivores utilized the food supply on the lands outside the forest environment during winter and early spring and in summer. In summer the cereal grains were preferred by herbivores and accounted for a significant share in their diet. The intensity of shoot browsing differed between the localities and between the studied woody species but was not lower due to the presence of attractive crops near the forest. The utilization of food outside the forest may help the animals to survive the winter but the potential of this food for reducing tree browsing in the forest is low.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0269769