Mammalian browsing damage in the Mt. Cole State forest,southeastern Australia: analysis of browsing patterns,spatial relationships and browse selection

Browsing by mammals can have a substantial impact on the survival, growth and form of regenerating forest trees. This study investigated the severity and distribution of mammalian browsing damage, and the degree to which eucalypt seedlings (Eucalyptus spp.) were selected for browsing on three regenerating native forest coupes in southeastern Australia. Damage was greatest 6 months after eucalypt germination and at this time, both messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua) and blue gum (E. globulus) seedlings were browsed at similar intensity. Nine and 12 months after germination, messmate was browsed more heavily than blue gum. Consistent relationships between browsing damage and both distance from the forest edge and wallaby density were not observed. Analysis of use and availability data for messmate, blue gum and manna gum (E. viminalis) seedlings showed that messmate was selected for browsing more than expected by chance while manna gum was browsed less than expected. Mammalian browsing affects a substantial portion of Victorias native forest estate, and could alter the species composition of future forests. Research into the ecology of browsing species and the development of non-lethal browsing reduction strategies is seen as a priority for the management of mammalian browsing in Victoria.