Moose (Alces alces L.) browsing in young Scots pine stands in relation to the characteristics of their winter habitats

Abstract

Moose browsing was studied in young Pinus sylvestris stands mixed with deciduous trees in high-density winter ranges. The proportional use of twig biomass decreased as availability increased. The total as well as proportional biomass consumption were higher on the moist than on the dryish type of forest. The per tree consumption of pine was higher on the moist type, where the availability of pine was lower. Browsing seriously inhibited development of Scots pines in 6% of stands, 60% of available biomass having been removed. -from Authors