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Herbivores and fences

May 16th, 2023 No comments

Fenced areas are often illustrative of the role of herbivores in shaping vegetation [1]. Here is an example from Schönbuch Nature Park (south west of Stuttgart, Germany), where you can see how the vegetation is shaped by different densities of red deer (Cervus elaphus). Is this park-like landscape (Fig. 2; inside the enclosure) an example of the prehistoric lowland landscapes in Central Europe?

Fig. 1. Fence separating the area with absence (left) / presence (right) of red deer
Fig. 2. Within the enclosure where the density of red deer is highest. Is this park-like landscape an example of the prehistoric lowland landscapes in Central Europe?
Fig. 3. Hervivores of central Europe, from [2].

References
[1] Pausas JG & Bond WJ. 2020. Alternative biome states in terrestrial ecosystems. Trends Pl Sci, 25(3), 250–263. [doi | pdf

[2] Vera FWM. 2000. Grazing ecology and forest history. CAB International.