Edges effects on seed predation by rodents in deciduous forests of northern Switzerland

摘要: Seed predation by rodents affects plant population dynamics and it mayrespond to changes in vegetation structure at forest edges. This studyinvestigates the magnitude direction of a potential edge effect intemperatedeciduous forests, seeks possible explanations based on predatorabundance structure. The study was conducted twelve forestedges northern Switzerland; six sites all shrubs wereremoved, whereas other maintained structurally rich shrub layer. Ineach site three transects were laid out from towards forestinterior. In plots along these (at 1, 3, 6, 12, 25, 50m) we studied seed removal experimental dishes, rodentabundance live-traps four characteristics structure.For both woody species (Prunus avium,Viburnum lantana) significantly higher nearthe sites; no suchgradient found. Selectively accessible dishes revealed that werethemain predators, insects or molluscs not observed.Abundance (Apodemus flavicollis, A.sylvaticus, Clethrionomys glareolus) washighestunder dense close edge. sitesthere clear gradient decreasing cover theforest interior; weaker observed poor sites.We conclude high near is main determinantfor effects predation, edges without belt show sucheffect.