Pines and porcupines: a tree-ring analysis of browsing and dynamics of an overmature pine forest

摘要: Past feeding activities of the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum L.) in an overmature forest were reconstructed using tree-ring dated scars on jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) trees Parc national du Bic (Quebec). Following a long fire-free period, most pines that regenerated after 1847 fire are currently senescent, moribund, or dead, and youngest nearly 100 years old. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), abundant species regeneration layer, is predicted to replace given absence recent present protection practices park. According age structure scars, activity has been particularly high during 1980s, which coincident with creation Porcupine was lower before this decade late 20th century absent (2000–2015). The decrease number consistent decline population, as sh...