The impact of small terrestrial mammals on beech (Fagus Sylvatica) plantations in spruce monoculture

Abstract

Little is known about the impact of small terrestrial mammals on forest regeneration as yet. In order to determine the level of small rodent impact on artificial forest regeneration, 508 saplings have been researched in a spruce monoculture in the Drahany Uplands. With the objective to hone the interpretation of the data, small terrestrial rodents were trapped to help determine species spectrum. The occurrence of Apodemus flavicollis, Clethrionomys glareolus and Sorex araneus was verified. In 52 cases damage to the trunk caused by small rodents was monitored (10.1% of all saplings). 8 specimens (1.6%) had their branches nibbled and 9 saplings (1.8%) had tips of branches or trunk tops browsed. Browsing by Lepus europaeus - 423 (83.3%) of all damaged specimens was significant.