Over-winter weight dynamics in supplementally fed free-ranging sika deer (Cervus nippon)

Continuous body weight dynamics in supplementally fed free-ranging sika deer (Cervus nippon) during the three consecutive overwinters (from January to April), 1992–1994 were surveyed. Almost all individuals lost weight continuously throughout each winter (adult deer 5–13%; young deer 3–19%) and several deer lost weight even in April. Weight gain after loss began in the mid-April when ambient temperature increased and when plant growth began. Weight dynamics varied according to sex, age and reproductive status. Adult deer showed significant large weight loss than the young. Young deer lost weight (calves 18±11 g/day, yearling and two-year-olds 27±29 g/day) more slowly than the adults (65±23 g/day). Following this study of over-winter body weight dynamics, it seems that early springs are the most critical periods for the survival of free-ranging sika deer because of their poor nutritional condition. A portion of this report was presented at the 106th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Forestry Society (1994).     

A geostatistical approach to spatial density distributions of sika deer (Cervus nippon)

Sika deer (Cervus nippon) cause serious damage to trees in Japanese forests. Browsing, bark stripping, and tree abrasion with antlers account for 50% of total wildlife damage over the past decade. The extent of forest damage depends on deer population density. We determined the spatial distribution of sika deer population density on Mt. Hiko (Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan). We also investigated changes in population density distribution over time. Determinants of population density were examined, with particular emphasis on the hunting cull. Deer densities in 1999 and 2004 were estimated by fecal pellet counts at 86 sites. We used kriging, a geostatistical technique that is a component of geographic information systems, to interpolate site-specific point data over large areas of landscape. Mapping procedures showed that high-density (≥30.0 deer km^?2) and low-density sections of landscape (≤10.0 deer km^?2) decreased in areal extent between 1999 and 2004. Contractions of high-density sections were attributable to intensive hunting. In low-density landscape sections, reduced hunting pressure allowed increased persistence of adult animals whose high fecundity led to population growth and higher deer densities. Landscape tracts with medium deer densities (10.0–30.0 deer km^?2) expanded, adding further difficulties to the task of wildlife management. Given the scale of the problems caused by deer, it is clear that reliable estimates of population size across space and time are essential components of the wildlife manager’s toolbox.     

Expansion of dwarf bamboo, Sasa nipponica, grassland under feeding pressure of sika deer, Cervus nippon, on subalpine coniferous forest in central Japan

The long-term changes of the area of Sasa nipponica grassland, bark stripping damage to trees by sika deer, Cervus nippon, and sika deer densities on Mt. Ohdaigahara were assessed with aerial photographs, information from previous studies, and field experiments. The grasslands expanded year after year. The expansion rate was highest from 1982 to 1992, and lowest from 1992 to 1997. Bark-stripping damage on coniferous trees was heavier than that on broadleaf trees in both the early 1980s and 1998. The deer density in the eastern part of the area had been high (14.4–64.3 km⁻²) from 1984 until 1998. We presume that rich growth of S. nipponica and heavy feeding pressure by sika deer over the long term caused expansion of S. nipponica grasslands by killing canopy trees by bark stripping and preventing forest regeneration.     

Population density and range use of sika deer,Cervus nippon, on Mt. Ohdaigahara, central Japan

We investigated the population density and range use of sika deer,Cervus nippon, on Mt. Ohdaigahara, central Japan, from July 1996 to July 1997. The deer population density estimated by the block count was high at 17.5–30.9 deer/km². Although the deer remained this area from spring to fall, they moved out in winter, probably because of deep snow. A spotlight count showed that the deer prefer the eastern area as spring-summer range, where the forest consists of coniferous trees over a floor cover ofSasa nipponica, andS. nipponica grassland. The deer also use dense coniferous forest for cover, especially in summer and fall. Part of this study was presented at the 108th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Forestry Society (1997). This study was financially supported by the Environment Agency, Japan.     

Effects of bark stripping by sika deer, Cervus nippon, on wind damage to coniferous trees in subalpine forest of central Japan

We evaluated the effect of bark stripping by sika deer (Cervus nippon), and subsequent wood decay, on tree fall in a coniferous forest on Mt Ohdaigahara in central Japan from July to September 2006. This valuable primeval coniferous forest is declining because of bark stripping. Broken trunks of Abies homolepis and Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis had more serious decay and larger bark-stripping wounds on the trunk than standing trees, suggesting that bark stripping causes trunk decay and results in broken trunks and uprooting by typhoons.     

Development of a method for forest cafeteria tests for evaluating chemical deterrents against bark stripping by sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis)

Damage caused by sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) is a serious problem in commercial and environmental (non-harvested) forests in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Cafeteria tests in forests may be useful for evaluating the efficacy of chemical deterrents against bark stripping by deer. To develop a method for forest cafeteria tests in the continuous snow cover period, two experiments were carried out. In the experiments, logs were produced from tree trunks, and used as carriers of chemical deterrents. Carriers were installed in forests and fed to deer. The first experiment was to find suitable sites and installation methods for carriers. Criteria for the local suitability and the installation methods were as follows: a) Sites where deer are active should be selected; b) Carriers should be installed along actively used deer trails; c) Installation sites of carriers should be changed in response to deer movement; d) Carriers should be produced from tree species that deer naturally prefer; and e) Each carrier should be partially buried in the snow. The second experiment evaluated the feasibility of a cafeteria test method based on the results of the first experiment. The method was used for 13 sets of the cafeteria test, in which the deterrent effectiveness of 5 chemicals (wood tar, rosin, wood vinegar, and 2 pyroligneous liquors) was examined. We obtained results from all the sets. The chemicals tested did not deter bark stripping by deer. Nevertheless, the method used in the present study was practical for the cafeteria tests.     

Effects of sika deer (Cervus nippon yakushimae) population growth on saplings in an evergreen broad-leaved forest

An increase in size of sika deer populations has caused severe damage to forest vegetation in many regions of Japan. In a Natural World Heritage area on the western part of Yakushima Island, existing high densities of deer are thought to be increasing, but the impact of deer on forest vegetation has not been estimated. Roadside censuses of deer between 1988 and 2006 showed that encounter rates are continuing to increase. Long-term monitoring of individual tree saplings in a 0.13 ha area of the forest between 1992 and 2005 showed that many saplings still remain despite increases in sika deer density. However, differences in growth and mortality rates of preferred, neutral (neither preferred nor avoided) and avoided sika deer food species varied over time. As a group, preferred species continuously had a low growth rate, while their mortality rate increased through time. The growth rates of the neutral and avoided groups decreased especially in the second half of our study period at the same time that their mortality rates increased. These data suggest that in spite of food species preference, direct feeding pressures as well as indirect physical effects by increasing sika deer density are affecting growth and mortality of tree saplings. Clearly, it is difficult to predict how plant communities will respond to possible continued sika deer population growth, and it is therefore important to continue monitoring these forest communities in the interest of preserving the unique ecosystems on Yakushima Island.     

Effects of deer and mice on seedling survival in a temperate mixed forest of Japan

To detect the magnitude of indirect positive effects of deer and mice on seedling survival of some woody species in a Japanese temperate forest, we analyzed the data from an earlier field experiment using a hierarchical Bayesian approach. The forest studied was inhabited by sika deer (Cervus nippon) and mice (Apodemus spp.), and the floor was covered with dwarf bamboo, Sasa nipponica, which negatively affected tree seedlings and was in turn negatively affected by deer and mice. The field experiment was designed as the combination of exclusion or removal of these factors: deer, mice and dwarf bamboo. A hierarchical Bayesian model was constructed and the parameters were estimated by the Markov chain Monte Carlo method. The model successfully showed the indirect positive effects of deer and mice, which improved the survival rate of five cohorts of the seedlings of three tree species by ameliorating the direct negative effect of dwarf bamboo. The cohorts studied were formed by the seedlings of Abies homolepis that emerged in 1997 and 2002, those of Fraxinus lanuginosa f. serrata that emerged in 1998 and 2002, and those of Fagus crenata that emerged in 1999. The positive indirect effect was especially large in F. crenata, which is known to be severely affected by dwarf bamboo. The total effect of deer was shown to be positive for all cohorts except the A. homolepis cohort that emerged in 1997, at which time the dwarf bamboo had not yet fully recovered from the browsing pressure of deer. The total effect of mice was shown to be positive for all of the cohorts. We conclude that these positive effects were due to the large negative effect of dwarf bamboo on the seedlings.     

CS-复合酶添加剂对梅花鹿生产性能影响的研究

在大兴安岭地区选择年龄、体质、健康状况、产茸性能相接近的梅花鹿100头，观察饲喂CS-复合酶添加剂对梅花鹿生产性能的影响。结果表明，试验组梅花鹿血液中红细胞、血红蛋白、碱性磷酸酶、血钙和血磷含量均高于对照组，且差异性显著（P〈0．05）；鹿茸产量提高了35．43％，并且脱盘时间早，膘情好；该添加剂具有促进造血机能、加快鹿茸生长、提高饲料利用率和鹿茸品质的作用。     

福建省毛竹混交林竹林结构比较研究

通过对浦城县古楼乡毛竹阔叶树混交林、毛竹杉木混交林、毛竹杉木阔叶树混交林及毛竹纯林等4种不同经营模式林分比较,结果表明:混交林毛竹个体生物量、毛竹胸径和竹高较大,不同模式林分的胸径、竹高、冠幅等生长因子有显著差异;竹阔混交林较有利于竹鞭孕芽发笋;各模式竹林结构综合评判为一般经营竹林;竹林竹鞭长、鞭径、鞭节生长以竹阔比例为5∶5林分竹鞭较好。     

Tree regeneration in partially cut conifer–hardwood mixed forests in northern Japan: roles of establishment substrate and dwarf bamboo

We assessed the relationship of the regeneration (seedling and sapling) densities of seven representative tall-tree species to the past partial cutting and current stand structure. We also determined if differences in tree regeneration were associated to establishment substrates (coarse woody debris (CWD) and root throws) and understory inhibitor vegetation (the dwarf bamboo species: Sasa senanensis). The study was conducted in 17 conifer–hardwood mixed stands in a heavy snowfall region in Hokkaido, northern Japan. The results suggest that stand structure, rather than logging intensity, is the primary factor influencing regeneration densities. Total conifer basal area was positively correlated with the regeneration density of individual tree species, including two conifers and three hardwoods. These patterns differ from those observed in old-growth stands in the region. A negative correlation between total conifer basal area and dwarf bamboo coverage suggests that the presence of dense conifer canopies causes an increase in regeneration density of tall-tree species by preventing domination of dwarf bamboo. Picea glehnii, a species that depends for its establishment strongly on CWD, has lower seedling and sapling density in stands with higher logging intensity. This seems to be a result of the decrease in the volume of CWD with increasing logging intensity in these stands. We suggest that both reducing logging intensity and retaining overstory conifers should be considered to develop a sustainable silvicultural system in this region. Providing sufficient CWD and root throws may also be important to ensure natural regeneration of tree species that require these as an establishment substrate.     

Dynamics of seedling establishment and survival in uneven-aged boreal forests

The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics of seedling establishment and development in spruce-dominated uneven-aged boreal forests. The study was based on empirical data from 15 stands with permanent plots, which had been intensively monitored for 10 years in southern Finland. All trees (height > 1.3 m) were measured every fifth year. Regeneration was measured on 64 permanent sample plots (4 m²) in each stand. The establishment of first-year seedlings was analysed on a yearly basis. The survival and development of older Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) seedlings were analysed based on observations made every five years. The establishment of spruce seedlings was closely correlated with the abundance of seed crops. Seedling cohorts originating from abundant seed crops were clearly detectable in the development of seedling height distributions over time. It took about 15 years for spruce seedlings to reach a height level of 15-30 cm. Local basal area had hardly any effect on the emergence or survival of small spruce seedlings, while the number of higher spruce seedlings decreased with increasing local basal area.     

Effects of heavy,repeated bark stripping by Cervus nippon on survival of Abies veitchii in a subalpine coniferous forest in central Japan

The management of deer impacts on forested lands requires quantification of the negative factors(e.g.,bark stripping) on tree survival in relation to other ecological variables(e.g.,competition from neighboring trees).This study measured the effects of bark stripping by sika deer,Cervus nippon,and competition among trees on the survival of Abies veitchii in a subalpine coniferous forest in central Japan over 12 years.Most of the trees subjected to bark stripping by deer were small(10 cm in diameter at breast height);however,some trees were stripped repeatedly.Although light bark stripping did not strongly influence tree survival after 12 years,heavily stripped stems(i.e., 65% of the stem circumference stripped) were severely affected.The effect on longevity for each tree after bark stripping was explained by maximum bark stripping intensity during the study period,rather than initial bark stripping intensity.When 85% of the stem circumference had been stripped,survival rates decreased.Bark stripping influenced survival rates much more than competition from neighboring trees.Because bark stripping occurred repeatedly,frequent measurements are important to grasp the full effects caused by this action.Heavy bark stripping of a stem enhances tree mortality.Thus,management of bark stripping is an essential element of stand maintenance and species composition in subalpine coniferous forests in Japan.     

Effect of endomycorrhizae (VAM) on bamboo seedling growth and biomass productivity

The role of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) fungi symbiosis with bamboo seedling was investigated. VAM species Glomus aggregatum, G. fasciculatum and G. mosseae were inoculated individually and in combinations with the bamboo seedlings. The percentage of infection and various growth parameters such as the number of shoots, number of rhizome, internodal distance, leaf length and breadth and total biomass production were studied in myocorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal infected plants. The above findings indicated a significant increase in the growth rate and biomass productivity.     

Impact of bark stripping by sika deer, Cervus nippon, on subalpine coniferous forests in central Japan

We investigated the effect of bark stripping by sika deer, Cervus nippon, on forest regeneration in subalpine coniferous forests on Mt. Ohdaigahara and in the Ohmine Mountains of central Japan. Bark stripping by sika deer occurred in five major tree species: Abies homolepis; Abies Veitchii; Tsuga diversifolia; Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis; and Chamaecyparis obtusa. The percentage of damaged trees on Mt. Ohdaigahara was higher than in the Ohmine Mountains, probably because of the higher deer density. On Mt. Ohdaigahara, the DBH distributions of stems for P. jezoensis var. hondoensis, A. homolepis, T. diversifolia andC. obtusa were bell-shaped with fewer smaller and larger trees. On the other hand, in the Ohmine Mountains the distributions for P. jezoensis var. hondoensis and A. Veitchii showed a reverse-J shaped with more smaller trees. Larger overstory conifers on Mt. Ohdaigahara were killed by bark stripping when 100% barked, although in the Ohmine Mountains ca. 50% of the trees survived even when 100% barked. After the disappearance of the overstory conifers on Mt. Ohdaigahara, the dwarf bamboo, Sasa nipponica, expanded into the forest floor due to changes in light reaching the forest floor. Since S. nipponica is the main forage of deer in this area, this increase caused a corresponding increase in the deer population, which in turn, could cause a further decline in the coniferous forests.     

梅花鹿育种目标性状边际效益计算方法的研究

应用综合育种值作为数量化育种目标的方法选择梅花鹿的生产性状及其对应的选择性状.在对确定以茸用为主的梅花鹿育种目标时,除了主要考虑茸用性状外,还应适当考虑繁殖和使用寿命等性状,对于直接影响茸鹿生产效益的次级性状不容忽视.借助差额法推导出一系列梅花鹿育种目标中目标性状边际效益的计算方法,并根据调查与研究,给出计算边际效益的有关生物学、育种学和经济学参数,计算出各育种目标性状的边际效益.当这些参数发生变化时,可根据本文给出的计算公式重新计算.根据梅花鹿鹿群的基本情况和对目标性状相对选择重要性的计算结果,认为梅花鹿茸用性状、繁殖性状和使用寿命目标性状的相对选择重要性之比是8:3:1,而育种目标中长白山梅花鹿品系对茸用性状、西丰梅花鹿对繁殖性状应有所侧重.     

Environmental influences on the successful regeneration of pine-oak mixed forests in the Qinling Mountains,China

Understanding the factors that allow the successful regeneration of species is a key step toward the conservation and management of forests. In this study, canonical correspondence analysis was used to examine the relationships between the distribution of the regenerating species in pine-oak mixed forests and 18 environmental factors of topography, soil properties, and forest characteristics in seedlings and saplings in the Qinling Mountains in China. A generalized additive model was used to fit the response of the density of the regenerating species to the various environmental factors. Variation partitioning in both seedling and sapling stories indicated that the order of importance was soil properties?>?forest characteristics?>?topography. The distribution of seedlings and saplings was mainly influenced by slope gradient, shrub cover, and available phosphorus. Herb cover and total nitrogen level were major environmental factors affecting the density of the regenerating seedlings, but total potassium level and elevation were significant variables for saplings. Not all seedlings were able to establish successfully, perhaps due to stress from the external environment and the heterogeneity of the light availability in the understory as the forest developed. Appropriate thinning of stands with higher densities and closed canopies is expected to produce gaps and promote the natural regeneration of pine-oak mixed forests in the Qinling Mountains.     

Effects of fuel treatments on carbon-disturbance relationships in forests of the northern Rocky Mountains

Fuel treatments alter conditions in forested stands at the time of the treatment and subsequently. Fuel treatments reduce on-site carbon and also change the fire potential and expected outcome of future wildfires, including their carbon emissions. We simulated effects of fuel treatments on 140 stands representing seven major habitat type groups of the northern Rocky Mountains using the Fire and Fuels Extension to the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FFE-FVS). Changes in forest carbon due to mechanical fuel treatment (thinning from below to reduce ladder fuels) and prescribed fire were explored, as well as changes in expected fire behavior and effects of subsequent wildfire. Results indicated that fuel treatments decreased fire severity and crown fire occurrence and reduced subsequent wildfire emissions, but did not increase post-wildfire carbon stored on-site. Conversely, untreated stands had greater wildfire emissions but stored more carbon.     

Effects of seed mass and emergence time on seedling performance in Castanopsis chinensis

Seed mass and emergence time may influence fitness of plants. The experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of seed mass and emergence time on the performance of seedlings of Castanopsis chinensis, a large evergreen tree species with limited tolerance of shade. The treatment consisted of three light regimes: 100%, 15% and 2% of full sunlight. Germination rate and germination time showed a significant correlation with seed mass. Germination rate differed among the three light regimes. Early-emerging large-seeded seedlings in 100% light produced the heaviest seedlings, while those resulting from smaller late-emerging seeds and grown under 2% light regime produced the lightest seedlings. Relative growth rate (RGR) decreased with seed mass in all three light regimes, and seedlings of C. chinensis have a higher RGR in high and intermediate light levels compared to low light. In contrast, the effect of emergence time on RGR was not significant. The growth of C. chinensis seedlings were significantly influenced by seed size, emergence time, and light conditions. For each month, the mean height of seedlings was significantly greatest for large-seeded seedlings and significantly lowest for small-seeded ones, irrespective of emergence time and light conditions. Regeneration success of C. chinensis appears to be regulated by the interactive effect of seed mass, emergence time and light regime.