Effects of exotic deer on forest regeneration and composition in northern Patagonia.

Published online
12 Jan 1990
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Journal of Applied Ecology
DOI
10.2307/2404095

Author(s)
Veblen, T. T. & Mermoz, M. & Martin, C. & Ramilo, E.

Publication language
English
Location
Argentina

Abstract

Exotic deer (mostly Cervus elaphus and Dama dama) are abundant in the Andean forests and adjacent Patagonian steppe in the Provinces of Neuquén and Rio Negro where two of Argentina's premier National Parks are located. The vegetation of Isla Victoria, a large island with an abundant deer population, and the nearby Península Quetrihué which is free of deer and other large browsing animals were compared. Understorey composition and tree age and size were sampled in the forests dominated by Nothofagus dombeyi and Austrocedrus [Libocedrus] chilensis in both areas. Deer browsing had nearly eliminated the subcanopy tree, Aristotelia chilensis, which otherwise forms dense understoreys, and had significantly reduced the abundance of numerous other woody and herbaceous species. In the two areas studied, N. dombeyi and Libocedrus chilensis occur mainly as post-fire even-aged populations with little or no regeneration. However, as stands age and treefall gaps are created, both canopy species sporadically regenerate. Where deer occur in high numbers they effectively impede this regeneration.

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