Abstract
Seed predation of two woody species (Prunus avium, Rubus fruticosus agg.) by rodents was studied in a removal experiment in gaps and adjacent forests in SW-Germany. In summer and autumn the losses of seeds in experimental dishes were significantly higher under dense vegetation in gaps, compared to adjacent forest stands with sparse ground cover. A similar tendency was observed in winter and spring. However, predation was less intense in clearings with sparsely developed vegetation compared to forest stands with a rich scrub and herbaceous layer. Predation was highest in summer and lowest in winter with intermediate rates for spring and autumn. The results of this study are discussed with respect to natural succession on clearings and the practical relevance in forestry.
| Translated title of the contribution | Seed predation of woody species in gaps and adjacent forests |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Pages (from-to) | 113-123 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Forstwissenschaftliches Centralblatt |
| Volume | 116 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |