Abstract
The multiple agroforestry land uses of oak forests are of great ecological and economic interest as they contribute to the improvement of animal husbandry, wildlife, and environment. However, herbivory by wildlife and livestock highly affects the structure and the dynamic of forest ecosystems including its regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative effect of wild boar and small ruminants herbivory on the regeneration of a deciduous oak forest in northern Greece. Eight sites were selected in an even aged stand of similar canopy cover and forest site quality: four sites with long-time use mainly by wild boar and four sites with long-time grazing by sheep and browsing by goats. A plot of 150 m2 in each of the sites was fenced in order to be protected from herbivory. The plant cover and number of oak seedlings and acorns was measured in both grazed and protected plots for four consecutive years. The plant cover increased in the protected plots independent of the type of animals. The seedling cover decreased about 29% and 9% in sites where small ruminants and wild boars foraged respectively. Similarly, the number and the weight of acorns significantly decreased in the sites grazed by small ruminants mainly during the mast year of the oaks. Forest management has to control the small ruminants grazing in terms of intensity, timing, and duration in order to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem.
Highlights
Oak forests and woodlands (Quercus spp.) are widely spread in Mediterranean regions around the world and are of high ecological and socio-economic importance
The percentage of plant and seedling cover were significantly higher in the protected sites than in the foraged ones, while the percentage of seedling cover as well the number and weight of acorns were higher in the sites foraged by wild boar
The number of acorns was 83% lower in sites grazed by small ruminants than those foraged by wild boars
Summary
Oak forests and woodlands (Quercus spp.) are widely spread in Mediterranean regions around the world and are of high ecological and socio-economic importance They are source of wood for timber and fuel [1], forage for wildlife and livestock [2], edible and culinary food products, as well medicine and dietary supplements [3]. They provide a variety of ecosystem services [4], and have important aesthetic, cultural, and recreational value. Herbivory by wildlife and livestock could positively contribute to the increase of species and landscape diversity [7,8], reduction of fire hazards and fire risks [9], improvement of soil properties and nutrient cycling within the system [10], as well as to the Forests 2018, 9, 580; doi:10.3390/f9090580 www.mdpi.com/journal/forests
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
