Quantifying Sus scrofa rooting effects on the understorey of the deciduous broadleaf forests in Castelporziano Estate (Italy)

摘要: Wild boar (Sus scrofa) rooting activities may affect several taxonomic groups. In hardwood forests, wild boar’s diet is predominantly represented by plants of the ground layer. We here report a study conducted in two Mediterranean lowland forests central Italy (the State Reserve Castelporziano and Circeo National Park). The aim our was to evaluate whether contrasting levels (high vs. low) determine different understorey species composition diversity. Our results show that strong differences composition. Furthermore, we found occurrence (e.g. Ruscus aculeatus) associated with levels. were significantly more frequent plots high rooting. Plots sampled area also characterised adapted disturbance anthropogenic influence Piptatherum miliaceum, Conyza albida); whereas low-rooting typically related deciduous forests. non-significant diversity indices. This demonstrates cause substantial alterations plant communities underscores need for long-term exclosure experiments.