The interaction of Brent geese Branta bernicla and sea plantain Plantago maritima during spring staging: Field observations and experiments

摘要: SUMMARY In spring, migrating Brent Geese (Branta bernicla) stage on the salt-marsh of Schiermonnikoog, a Dutch island in Wadden Sea. During May, their principal food plants marsh are Puccinellia maritima and Plantago maritima. The graze large groups, regraze same places every four days. This interval seems to be related rate regrowth plants. A close study grazing by revealed that bite size is about 14 mm almost exclusively confined youngest leaves. Each time geese harvest 30 % rosette's leaf material. A clipping experiment with Plantago, showed regime harvesting rosette once days, like do, gave highest new plant tissue, compared no clipping, or other treatments. The selective advantage individual taking part flock movements discussed relation effects vegetation.