The influence of forest management, climate and browsing on the nutritional quality of key ungulate forage plants

The influence of forest management, climate and browsing on the nutritional quality of key ungulate forage plants

Dwarf shrubs of the family Ericaceae, including bilberry, cowberry, and heather, often dominate forest understory vegetation at northern latitudes. These plants provide a range of ecosystem services and essential food resources for populations of large wild herbivores, such as moose and deer (Ungulata, Cervidae). Over recent decades however, the cover of dwarf shrubs has declined in Sweden, partly due to forests becoming denser and darker. In addition to the direct ecological implications of this decline for biodiversity and ecosystem services, it raises serious concerns regarding the resultant impacts on cervid populations, and the extent of damage they cause to young trees in production stands. The driving factor behind cervids’ foraging is the need to obtain sufficient Amount:s of nutrients and energy, at combinations suitable for their ruminant digestive systems. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of forest management, climate and cervid browsing on the nutritional composition and chemical defences of the forage produced by the three shrub species. We reach that aim by conducting a mix of natural and controlled experiments across Sweden. By sampling plants both summer and winter, and during several years, we take important seasonal and intra-annual effects into account. Resultant findings will directly benefit stakeholders in their efforts to achieve a better balance between herbivore populations and forage availability.

Annika Felton, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

2 481 000 SEK