Ungulate Impact on Natural Regeneration in Spruce-Beech-Fir Stands in Černý důl Nature Reserve in the Orlické Hory Mountains, Case Study from Central Sudetes

Jiří Remeš,Jan Král,Stanislav Vacek,Daniel Bulušek,Ivo Králíček,Lukáš Bílek,Zdeněk Vacek

doi:10.3390/f5112929

Jiří Remeš, Jan Král + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/f5112929

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Abstract

The paper presents the results of a study on tree regeneration of forest stands in the Černý důl Nature Reserve, which is situated in the Orlické hory Mountains Protected Landscape area in the Czech Republic. Research was conducted in a spruce-beech stand with an admixture of silver fir, sycamore maple and rowan on two comparative permanent research plots (PRPs) (PRP 1—fenced enclosure and PRP 2—unfenced). Typological, soil, phytosociological and stand characteristics of the two PRPs are similar. The results showed that ungulate browsing is a limiting factor for successful development of natural regeneration of autochthonous tree species. The population of tree species of natural regeneration on the fenced plot (PRP 1) is sufficient in relation to the site and stand conditions. However, natural regeneration on PRP 2 is considerably limited by browsing. Damage is greatest to fir, sycamore maple and rowan; less severe to beech; and the least to spruce.

Highlights

Autochthonous mixed forests have a high capacity for autoregulation [1,2,3] and are often considered as model subjects for research on ecological stability and sustainability [4]
Mountain and submontane forests with overpopulation of deer species are more susceptible to damage than forests at lower elevations [10]. This difference is the result of the longer regeneration period and slower initial growth of typically shade-tolerant tree species, such as Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.], European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and especially silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), which have slower tree response after browsing and lower growth performance compared to other species [11]
Mountainous areas in the Czech Republic are characterized by high numbers of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and a higher incidence of deer browsing and bark stripping than elsewhere in the country [12]. Despite this fact there is a lack of long-term field studies and the effects of ungulates on forest stands are still relatively unknown

Summary

Introduction

Autochthonous mixed forests have a high capacity for autoregulation [1,2,3] and are often considered as model subjects for research on ecological stability and sustainability [4]. Mountainous areas in the Czech Republic are characterized by high numbers of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and a higher incidence of deer browsing and bark stripping than elsewhere in the country [12]. Despite this fact there is a lack of long-term field studies and the effects of ungulates on forest stands are still relatively unknown

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