Articles containing the keyword 'browsing damage'

The efficacy of pine tar as a moose (Alces alces L.) contact repellent was tested in young Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands suffering from moose damage in Southern Finland during the winter 1981–82. Application of tar to shoots by spraying protected the trees satisfactorily throughout the winter.

The PDF includes an abstract in Finnish.

• Löyttyniemi, E-mail: kl@mm.unknown
• Heikkilä, E-mail: rh@mm.unknown
• Repo, E-mail: sr@mm.unknown

The effects of plantation characteristics on moose (Alces alces) browsing intensity was studied in 82 Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) plantations in Southern Finland. Moose browsing occurred most commonly in plantations established on relatively fertile soil, and the degree of damage was at highest in plantations with openings. A high amount of brush, especially aspen, increased the risk of damage. Furthermore, damage was intensified in plantations situated on hills, slopes or at a long distance from main roads or settlements.

The PDF includes an abstract in Finnish.

• Heikkilä, E-mail: rh@mm.unknown

The size, nutrient contents and terpene composition of needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) saplings untouched and repeatedly browsed by the moose (Alces alces L.) were compared. Material was collected from a 14-years old and 2.5 m high pine stand in Bromarv, Southern Finland. The average length and fresh and dry weight of the needles were measured, and nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu) was determined.

The needles of repeatedly browsed pines became long and robust. There was, however, no difference between the dry matter percentage between the needles. The average nitrogen content was higher in the rebrowsed trees. Nitrogen content is, however, not directly correlated with the palatability of pine needles. Even phosphorus and boron content were higher in the damaged trees. No difference was found in Ca, K, Mg and Cu contents of the browsed and control pine saplings.

The PDF includes a summary in Finnish.

• Löyttyniemi, E-mail: kl@mm.unknown

In Fennoscandia, moose (Alces alces L.) browsing significantly damages commercial forests, influencing tree species composition and seedling growth. We examined the long-term development of moose-damaged forests in Finland, focusing on seedling stands artificially regenerated for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). The analysis used National Forest Inventory (NFI) data from four consecutive five-year periods (2004–2023). Remeasured permanent sample plots were used to compare the development of damaged and undamaged stands. The total area affected by moose increased from 0.966 to 1.116 million hectares over the four NFI cycles. Of this, 61% was significantly damaged, indicating reduced silvicultural quality, and the proportion was higher in the north. Among young seedling stands recorded in the first inventory as being artificially regenerated for Scots pine, moose damage affected 44% of their total area nationwide over the study period, with a higher proportion in the south. Moose browsing frequently shifted the dominant tree species from Scots pine to downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) and, secondarily, Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.). Where notable or severe damage was observed in the first inventory, crop seedling numbers remained lower throughout the study. Our findings show that moose browsing has long-term effects on tree species composition and stand structure, including mean height, mean diameter, and density. Damage patterns vary regionally and by stand characteristics, although many previously affected stands show recovery or reduced impacts. Large-scale monitoring systems such as NFIs provide long-term data for detecting changes in browsing intensity and vegetation, thereby supporting forest and wildlife management.

• Haakana, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), P.O. Box 2, FI-00791 Helsinki, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4830-800X E-mail: helena.haakana@luke.fi
• Matala, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Yliopistokatu 6, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5867-5057 E-mail: juho.matala@luke.fi
• Huuskonen, Metsähallitus, Forestry Ltd. P.O. Box 80, FI-00521 Helsinki, Finland E-mail: saija.huuskonen@metsa.fi
• Korhonen, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Yliopistokatu 6, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6198-853X E-mail: kari.t.korhonen@luke.fi
• Nikula, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Ounasjoentie 6, FI-96200 Rovaniemi, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8372-8440 E-mail: ari.nikula@luke.fi
• Räty, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), P.O. Box 2, FI-00791 Helsinki, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9898-8712 E-mail: minna.raty@luke.fi