Differential tree recruitment in California oak savannas: Are evergreen oaks replacing deciduous oaks?

摘要: Abstract Understanding tree recruitment is crucial to assess species turnover in mixed forests and woodlands, particularly light of current anthropogenic impact. Here, we investigate whether oak (density young oaks) co-existing deciduous evergreen oaks disproportional the abundance their corresponding reproductive trees, favoring regeneration some over others, which may anticipate a future turnover. We also examined browsing damage microsite location play differential role such process. uncovered an overall underrepresentation ( Q. lobata douglasii ), compared agrifolia even areas where were locally predominant mature trees. Such was accentuated predominant, with reaching densities 3-times higher than those oak. Recruitment all three significantly associated shrub cover, suggesting facilitative effect, via reduction both occurrence intensity herbivory. However, much less vulnerable herbivory (lower intensity) and, thus, recruits able thrive areas. Overall, our results provide evidence at juvenile stage co-occurring species, lead replacement oaks. The disproportionate effect shrubs as safe microsites for suggests that pressure important factor reducing heterogeneity favorable niches, most herbivore-sensitive species. Further studies should address what extent patterns described here translate into differences adult stages, actual biased mostly due on vs. posit that, management conservation multi-specific savannas, be prioritized live order maintain greater levels biodiversity reduce biotic homogenization.