Interspecific Growth Reductions Caused by Wild Ungulates on Tree Seedlings and Their Implications for Temperate Quercus-Fagus Forests

Ungulate impacts on forest understory alter tree species composition, with cascading effects functions and resilience against future climate conditions. Indeed, the ungulate browsing pressure seedlings is species-specific causes contrasted growth reductions that recruitment rates. Untangling of from other factors driving regeneration success required to guide management. In particular, Fagus sylvatica L. strongly dominates temperate Quercus-Fagus forests close their climax, it remains unclear if controlling populations can maintain diversity in naturally regenerated forests. We addressed this question by monitoring 734 pairs fenced unfenced 6-m2 plots across a broad gradient Cervus elaphus abundance Belgian managed continuous cover forestry. Seedling height, density, vegetation were monitored 2016 2021. Species ecological affinity for light, temperature, atmospheric humidity conditions computed these measures. With ungulates, mean Betula pendula Roth. Sorbus aucuparia was negligible, whereas, without higher than species. Picea abies (L.) H. Karst Quercus (Quercus petreae (Matt.) Liebl robur L.) lowest all Finally, Carpinus betulus heavily browsed but still grew its competitors ungulates. then severely affect seedling likely reduce recruited trees. study area, unfavored are less shade tolerant, more-drought more-heat tolerant. It thus accelerates natural succession reduces heat drought events. Such an observation found valid over wide area encompassing contrasting levels abundance. Combining further foodscape improvement