Ecology
Published May 16, 2023 | https://doi.org/10.59350/98n8v-y9654

Herbivores and fences

Creators & Contributors

Feature image

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.

Additional details

Description

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.

Identifiers

GUID
https://jgpausas.blogs.uv.es/?p=7691
URL
https://jgpausas.blogs.uv.es/2023/05/16/herbivores-and-fences/

Dates

Issued
2023-05-16T10:31:59
Updated
2025-01-01T22:18:49

References

  1. Pausas, J. G., & Bond, W. J. (2020). Alternative Biome States in Terrestrial Ecosystems. Trends in Plant Science, 25(3), 250–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2019.11.003
  2. Vera FWM. 2000. Grazing ecology and forest history. CAB International.