Ungulates, rodents, shrubs: interactions in a diverse Mediterranean ecosystem

摘要: Abstract Ungulate abundance has increased dramatically worldwide, having strong impacts on ecosystem functioning. High ungulate densities can reduce the abundance, diversity and/or body condition of small mammals, which been attributed to reductions in cover shelter and food availability by ungulates. The wild ungulates have recently high-diversity Mediterranean oak ecosystems, where acorn-dispersing rodents are keystone species. We analysed experimentally effects seed-dispersing two types woodland: a forest with dense shrub layer dehesas lacking shrubs. Ungulates had no significant vegetation structure or rodent mass, but they reduced lacking-shrub dehesas. In forest, modified spatial distribution space use rodents, were more concentrated under shrubs presence than absence Our results point importance mediating ungulate–rodent interactions areas, suggesting that serve as for against physical disturbances such soil compaction, trampling rooting. Holm seedling density was dehesa plots, not forests. Acorn consumption may recruitment great extent. Additionally, we suggest negative effect regeneration processes reducing rodents. Given seem mediate acorn dispersers, controlled encroachment could be an effective alternative population control exclusion sustainability ecosystems.