Seasonal grazing effects by semi-domesticated reindeer on subarctic mountain birch forests |
| |
Authors: | Jouko Kumpula Sari Stark ?ystein Holand |
| |
Institution: | (1) Reindeer Research Station, Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute, Toivoniementie 246, 99910 Kaamanen, Finland;(2) Rovaniemi Research Unit, Finnish Forest Research Institute, P.O. Box 16, 96301 Rovaniemi, Finland;(3) Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432 ?s, Norway |
| |
Abstract: | In northern Fennoscandia, the spatial and temporal grazing practices of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) vary, which implies different grazing effects dependent on natural conditions as well as management regime (i.e., timing
and intensity of grazing). We compared density and biomass of main plant groups in semi-dry mountain birch forests exposed
to either long-term summer or winter grazing in three reindeer herding districts in the northernmost Finland. Percent plant
cover, height, and biomass of reindeer lichens (Cladonia spp.) and dwarf shrubs (Vaccinium uliginosum, Calluna vulgaris, and Betula nana) were lower on summer ranges compared with winter ranges. The biomass of other dwarf shrubs (Vaccinium myrtillus and V. vitis-idaea), and graminoids and herbs, and the % cover of non-vegetated bare soil and litter were, however, higher on summer ranges
than on winter ranges. Young mountain birch shoots (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) were less frequent on summer ranges than on winter ranges. The total leaf biomass under the browsing height of reindeer
(<1.5 m) was also lower on summer ranges compared with winter ranges. Especially in drier and nutrient poor mountain birch
forests, intensive summer grazing reduces the quantity of lichens and total plant biomass which affects the ecological state
and productivity of these forests and also reduces especially their winter grazing value for reindeer. Therefore, in addition
to regulating the maximum sustained numbers of reindeer, pasture rotation systems that effectively protect dry and nutrient
poor vegetation from summer grazing and trampling should be encouraged. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|