Fluctuating ungulate density shapes tree recruitment in natural stands of the Białowieża Primeval Forest, Poland

Fluctuations in large herbivore populations, particularly red deer, significantly influence tree recruitment and species composition in the Białowieża National Park. Over 70 years of natural forest dynamics, higher ungulate densities were linked to increased recruitment of preferred forage species like Carpinus betulus, while less preferred species showed negative correlations with herbivore density. Contrary to expectations, rising herbivore numbers did not hinder tree regeneration but instead facilitated the growth of browsing-tolerant species. Climate and forest openness played minimal roles in overall recruitment patterns, except for specific species like Alnus glutinosa and Ulmus glabra. The study suggests that periodic crashes in ungulate populations—whether natural or human-induced—create opportunities for diverse forest regeneration, promoting dynamic and varied tree species development.

Kuijper, D. P. J., Jędrzejewska, B., Brzeziecki, B., Churski, M., Jędrzejewski, W., & Żybura, H. (2010). Fluctuating ungulate density shapes tree recruitment in natural stands of the Białowieża Primeval Forest, Poland. Journal of Vegetation Science, 21(6), 1082–1098. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1654-1103.2010.01217.x