The influence of mammalian browsing on tree growth and mortality in the Pigeon River State Forest, Michigan

TitleThe influence of mammalian browsing on tree growth and mortality in the Pigeon River State Forest, Michigan
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1990
AuthorsHeinen JThomas, Sharik TL
JournalThe American Midlands Naturalist
Volume123
Pagination202-206
KeywordsTREE GROWTH
Abstract

Stems of tree species were systematically sampled in 1983 and 1988 in a 1977 clear-cut in the Pigeon River State Forest. All stems were identified to species and assigned to a height class. Information on whether the stem was browsed or unbrowsed (by mammalian herbivores) and alive or dead was also recorded. The absolute abundance of all tree species decreased and the relative abundance of the species most preferred in 1983 had also decreased by 1988. Browse preference had also changed somewhat over time. Species which were more frequently browsed suffered significantly greater mortality over the time period than species which were less frequently browsed. However, differential browsing did not result in height class differences between surviving stems of the two aspen species present.