Different facets of tree sapling diversity influence browsing intensity by deer dependent on spatial scale

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Bettina Ohse
  • Carolin Seele
  • Frédéric Holzwarth
  • Christian Wirth

Browsing of tree saplings by deer hampers forest regeneration in mixed forests across Europe and North America. It is well known that tree species are differentially affected by deer browsing, but little is known about how different facets of diversity, such as species richness, identity, and composition, affect browsing intensity at different spatial scales. Using forest inventory data from the Hainich National Park, a mixed deciduous forest in central Germany, we applied a hierarchical approach to model the browsing probability of patches (regional scale) as well as the species-specific proportion of saplings browsed within patches (patch scale). We found that, at the regional scale, the probability that a patch was browsed increased with certain species composition, namely with low abundance of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and high abundance of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), whereas at the patch scale, the proportion of saplings browsed per species was mainly determined by the species’ identity, providing a “preference ranking” of the 11 tree species under study. Interestingly, at the regional scale, species-rich patches were more likely to be browsed; however, at the patch scale, species-rich patches showed a lower proportion of saplings per species browsed. Presumably, diverse patches attract deer, but satisfy nutritional needs faster, such that fewer saplings need to be browsed. Some forest stand parameters, such as more open canopies, increased the browsing intensity at either scale. By showing the effects that various facets of diversity, as well as environmental parameters, exerted on browsing intensity at the regional as well as patch scale, our study advances the understanding of mammalian herbivore–plant interactions across scales. Our results also indicate which regeneration patches and species are (least) prone to browsing and show the importance of different facets of diversity for the prediction and management of browsing intensity and regeneration dynamics.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEcology and Evolution
Volume7
Issue number17
Pages (from-to)6779-6789
Number of pages11
ISSN2045-7758
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09.2017
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We gratefully acknowledge the provision of inventory data by the Hainich National Park (M. Großmann & A. Henkel). B.O. was funded by a scholarship of the DBU—German Environmental Foundation Doctoral Scholarship Programme. As Max-Planck fellow, C.W. acknowledges the support of the Max-Planck Society. We also acknowledge support from the German Research Foundation

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

    Research areas

  • Ecosystems Research - biodiversity, foraging theory, forest inventory data, forest regeneration, plant-herbivore interactions, species composition, species identity, species richness, temperate forest, ungulate browsing

DOI

Recently viewed

Researchers

  1. Timo Janca

Publications

  1. The role of task meaning on output in groups
  2. Dynamic capabilities and routinization
  3. Scaffolding Learner Agency in Technology-Enhanced Language Learning Environments
  4. Comparing Web-Based and Blended Training for Coping With Challenges of Flexible Work Designs
  5. Continental mapping of forest ecosystem functions reveals a high but unrealised potential for forest multifunctionality.
  6. End-to-End Active Speaker Detection
  7. Fermentative utilization of coffee mucilage using Bacillus coagulans and investigation of down-stream processing of fermentation broth for optically pure L(+)-lactic acid production
  8. Planar Multipole Resonance Probe: A kinetic model based on a functional analytic description
  9. Timing matters: Distinct effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application timing on root system architecture responses
  10. Dealing with inclusion–teachers’ assessment of internal and external resources
  11. Reconfigurable Control System for Plants with Variable Structure
  12. Possible underestimations of risks for the environment due to unregulated emissions of biocides from households to wastewater
  13. Reconciling conservation and development in protected areas of the Global South
  14. Modelling scenarios to identify a combined sediment-water management strategy for the large reservoirs of the Tuyamuyun hydro-complex
  15. Identifying determinants of teachers' judgment (in)accuracy regarding students' school-related motivations using a Bayesian cross-classified multi-level model
  16. Design rules for environmental biodegradability of phenylalanine alkyl ester linked ionic liquids
  17. Empirical research on mathematical modelling
  18. Assessing the costs and cost-effectiveness of ICare internet-based interventions (protocol)
  19. Higher Wages in Exporting Firms
  20. From GUI to No-UI
  21. Model of mobility demands for future short distance public transport systems
  22. Material utilization of organic residues
  23. Demarcating transdisciplinary research in sustainability science—Five clusters of research modes based on evidence from 59 research projects
  24. Brennball
  25. Energy-aware system design for autonomous wireless sensor nodes
  26. Third International Mathematics and Science Study and Trends in Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS)
  27. Development of a magnesium secondary alloy system for mixed magnesium post-consumer scrap
  28. Physicochemical properties and biodegradability of organically functionalized colloidal silica particles in aqueous environment
  29. Planning for Sea Spaces I: Processes, Practices and Future Perspectives
  30. The blue-collar brain
  31. Utilization of organic residues using heterotrophic microalgae and insects
  32. Beschreibung der Hauptergebnisse
  33. Technik – Magie – Medium
  34. Culture as an Engine of Local Development Processes
  35. Modeling of Friction-Induced Vibrations during Tightening of Bolted Joints