Changes in the vegetation of Quercus pubescens woodland after cessation of coppicing and grazing

摘要: . The cessation of coppicing and grazing in Quercus woodlands, with its subsequent changes the structure, composition functioning vegetation communities, is becoming more frequent throughout Mediterranean Basin. In southern France, we have studied successional pubescens woodlands by visiting previously sites 18 yr later. Changes vertical species richness, floristic composition, life form dispersal type were analysed compared between that had been grazed or ungrazed. Both successions showed a decline cover 0–25 cm height class immediately under canopy layer, due to oak litter accumulation tree ageing. post-grazing succession, abandonment associated burning has allowed increase 0.25-2 m class. both successions, grassland decreased frequency forest increased, trend which was stronger undisturbed succession. Species richness time but remained stable succession mainly because slow plants linked grazing. therophytes hemicryptophytes decreased. contrast, endozoochorous (notably Ruscus aculeatus) increased. Plants dispersed non-animal vectors stability observed most types These results time-lag existed latter remaining at younger stage development recent impact However, converged suggesting traces on will disappear within few years. these coppices, regardless previous regime, become increasingly similar woodlands. their probably never be identical rarity short-distance many plant species.