Where can palatable young trees escape herbivore pressure in a protected forest

摘要: Abstract Browsing damage by ungulates is among the most decisive factors affecting establishment and growth of young trees. In recent decades, ungulate populations have been expanding in Northern Hemisphere; impairment tree regeneration their activity an increasing problem. Herbivore-induced changes may alter composition biodiversity future stand. this study we determined where trees can leave seedling bank succeed to higher forest strata a protected natural that under strong herbivore pressure. We studied rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) subalpine spruce growing strictly area Babia Gora National Park (Western Carpathians). Rowan one palatable species, so browsing significantly limit its growth. predicted factors, restrict movement red deer (Cervus elaphus), decrease visits some patches, which will result share saplings. also considered two other affect distribution saplings: light availability distance maternal particular, tested whether occurrence saplings was related to: (i) slope angle, amount logs lying on floor, hiking trails; (ii) fruit-bearing trees; (iii) canopy openness. The results confirmed our main predictions concerning relation between ungulates. Factors terrain influenced taller than 1 m. probability sapling increased when trails shorter. Slope had significant negative impact occurrence. found no effect proximity or gap area. Thus, forest, likelihood make transition from seedlings seems be mainly activity. This suggests increase behavior species spatial structure stands.