Characteristics of tree damage by the grey red-backed vole (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Myodes rufocanus bedfordiae</Emphasis>) in a deciduous forest in Hokkaido,Japan |
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Authors: | Akira Unno Keisuke Nakata |
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Institution: | (1) Hokkaido Forestry Research Institute, Kousyunai, Bibai Hokkaido, 079-0198, Japan |
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Abstract: | In deciduous forests, tree seeds and seedlings are frequently exposed to high predation by small rodents, and this predation
can have an important effect on forest regeneration. However, damage to large trees by small rodents has not been studied,
except for damage observed during timber production. To determine factors affecting damage to large trees by the grey red-backed
vole (Myodes rufocanus bedfordiae), the characteristics and spatial patterns of tree damage by voles at vole wintering sites were examined over 3 years in
a deciduous forest in Hokkaido. This study found that the location of damaged trees was related to vole wintering sites. Vole
damage was affected by tree species. Damaged trees were heavily concentrated in small areas. Leaning trees and trees that
had suffered previous damage were more likely to be damaged. However, the diameter at breast height was not significantly
related to vole damage. These differences in susceptibility to vole damage may result in different tree mortality. |
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