A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Increasing vole numbers cause more lethal damage to saplings in tree monocultures than in mixed stands
Authors: Gilbert S, Martel J, Klemola T, Norrdahl K
Publisher: ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG
Publication year: 2013
Journal: Basic and Applied Ecology
Journal name in source: BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY
Journal acronym: BASIC APPL ECOL
Number in series: 1
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
First page : 12
Last page: 19
Number of pages: 8
ISSN: 1439-1791
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2012.11.005
Abstract
The effect of stand diversity tended to depend on vole abundance. Vole damage of tree saplings did not differ between monocultures and mixed stands, but at higher vole abundances attacks had a stronger effect on sapling survival in the monocultures. Sapling survival showed a significant drop in the monocultures at peak abundance of approximately 300 voles ha(-1). In monocultures herbivores do not have alternatives and therefore are forced to become deadlier consumers.
The effect of stand diversity tended to depend on vole abundance. Vole damage of tree saplings did not differ between monocultures and mixed stands, but at higher vole abundances attacks had a stronger effect on sapling survival in the monocultures. Sapling survival showed a significant drop in the monocultures at peak abundance of approximately 300 voles ha(-1). In monocultures herbivores do not have alternatives and therefore are forced to become deadlier consumers.
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