Ungulate browsers promote herbaceous layer diversity in logged temperate forests

• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2223
• Publication Date: 2016-06-13T03:58:47Z
• Authors: Edward K. Faison; Stephen DeStefano; David R. Foster; Glenn Motzkin; Joshua M. Rapp
• Keywords: Ungulate; Exclosure; Odocoileus; Herbaceous plant; Undergrowth

Abstract Ungulates are leading drivers of plant communities worldwide, with impacts linked to animal density, disturbance and vegetation structure, site productivity. Many ecosystems have more than one ungulate species; however, few studies specifically examined the combined effects two or species on communities. We extent which browsers (moose [ Alces americanus ]) white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus additive (compounding) compensatory (opposing) herbaceous layer composition diversity, 5–6 years after timber harvest in Massachusetts, USA . established three combinations ungulates using types fenced exclosures – none (full exclosure), (partial + moose (control) six replicated blocks. Species diverged among browser treatments, changes were generally additive. Plant assemblages characteristic closed canopy forests less abundant open/disturbed habitats plots compared excluded areas. Browsing by resulted greater richness at plot scale (169 m 2 ) woody subplot (1 exclusion alone. strong composition, diversity forest layers, relative areas free browed Our results provide evidence that moderate browsing openings can promote both diversity. These consistent classic grazing‐species curve, but rarely been documented forests.