Herbivore impact on beech in selected tree plantations in the Beskydy and Jeseniky Mountains

0354490 - ÚBO 2011 RIV CZ eng J - Journal Article
Suchomel, J. - Heroldová, Marta - Purchart, L. - Homolka, Miloslav
Herbivore impact on beech in selected tree plantations in the Beskydy and Jeseniky Mountains.
Beskydy. Roč. 3, č. 2 (2010), s. 187-192. ISSN 1803-2451
R&D Projects: GA MZe QH72075
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519
Keywords : browsing on tree species * man-made plantations * red deer * roe deer * brown hare
Subject RIV: GK - Forestry

The paper evaluates the impact of Lepus europaeus, Capreolus capreolus and Cervus elaphus on European beech (Fagus sylvatica) as the main tree species in recent forest plantations in the Beskydy and Jeseniky Mts. The damage was assessed according to browsing intensity. Beech browsing in both sites accounted for approximately 30% and the diff erence in damage was not signifi cant (p > 0.05). Minor browsing (score 1) distinctly prevailed, a more serious impact (score 2 and 3) accounted for only 0 – 10%. Damage correlated with elevation only in the Beskydy Mts. (p < 0.05). The extent of browsing on the monitored trees is related to the habitat’s food supply and its carrying capacity for herbivorous population and also to their spatial distribution throughout the year.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0193479