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

Authors

J.T. Heinen
T.L. Sharik

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

American Midland Naturalist

Volume

123

Issue

1

First Page

202

Last Page

206

Publication Date

1990

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.

Recommended Citation

Heinen, J. T. and Sharik, T. L. 1990. The influence of mammalian browsing on tree growth and mortality in the Pigeon River State Forest, Michigan. American Midland Naturalist. 123 (1): 202-206.