Decreasing deer browsing pressure influenced understory vegetation dynamics over 30 years

摘要: Thanks to the concomitant recordings of vegetation and deer browsing sampled first in 1976, then resurveyed 2006, we show that forest plant communities shifted response population dynamics, stand management eutrophication. High populations alter understory dynamics worldwide. However, no study ever attempted rank importance herbivory relatively other environmental drivers. In Arc-en-Barrois National Forest (France), investigated whether (i) is a critical driver composition (ii) recover after decrease populations. 321 plots from network 1027 where pressure was assessed 1976. We used coinertia analysis identify gradients when abiotic variables were also recorded. shifts community using mean Ellenberg indicator values, analysed plot scores along axes correlated these with changes pressure. Two major determined 1976: edaphic (nitrogen availability soil moisture) Over next 30 years, noticed strong increase nitrophilous species frequency towards lightly browsed characteristics, accompanying Shifts significantly intensity pressure, showing determinant assemblages. Our results provide evidence for structuring effect on composition, once site variations (soil moisture nitrogen) accounted for. observed an incomplete recovery 25 years reduction densities, suggesting delayed reduction. Long-term monitoring biodiversity should therefore include assessment control potential effects wild ungulates.