The effects of some mammals and birds on regeneration of Oak.
Abstract
cf. F.A. 27 No. 886.] Studies at Monks Wood, Huntingdonshire, and Silwood Park, Berkshire, suggest that the species of animals (particularly birds) that destroy most acorns are also the most important in causing natural regeneration. Seedlings have been found randomly distributed, with no concentration near the seed source, for distances of at least 200 m. from Oak seed-bearers. Rabbits and hares damage many seedlings but leave sufficient to establish Oak woods; grazing by cattle and sheep, however, soon eliminates seedlings, and they are also killed by mowing. Seedlings are rare within Oak woods, even in areas of Hazel coppice with Oak standards; in a park with old Oaks at intervals, many Oaks sprang up when cattle-grazing was stopped, but only outside the canopies of the trees. The reasons for this have not been determined. KEYWORDS: plant ecology \ Quercus robur \ natural regeneration \ natural regeneration \ effects \ birds \ natural regeneration \ effects \ grazing \ natural regeneration \ effects \ hares \ natural regeneration \ effects \ mowing \ natural regeneration \ effects \ rabbits