Early and long-term impacts of browsing by roe deer in oak coppiced woods along a gradient of population density

摘要: Over the last few decades, wild ungulate populations have exhibited relevant geographic and demographic expansion in most European countries; roe deer is amongst widespread species. The increasing densities led to strong impact on forest regeneration; problem has been recently recognized coppice woods, a silvicultural system which Italy, where it amounts about 56% of total national forested area. In this study we investigated effect browsing vegetative regeneration Turkey oak years after coppicing, along gradient density. A index revealed that was high at any given density but increased higher density, with rate ranging from 65% 79%. We also analyzed long-term six eleven coppicing under medium Results indicated early are not ephemeral produced prolonged impacts through time, an average reduction volume -57% -41% respectively. Based these results proposed integrating monitoring estimation allow identifying compatible management objectives. can be regarded as effective tool, account its simplicity cost-effectiveness, being therefore highly suitable for routine, large scale impact.