M• M. (1999): The influence of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) on the vegetation of coastal sand dunes: preliminary results of exclosure experiments. -Senckenbergiana marit., 29 (Suppl.): 95-97; Frankfurt a. M.]Most wadden sea islands are populated by rabbits (O~yctolagus cuniculus) which constitute the most important herbivore species in the islands dunes. On three of the East Frisian Islands the rabbits were exterminated about 100 years ago. Today the vegetation of these islands is different from that on adjacent islands where rabbits still exist. This study investigates the influence ofrabbits on dune succession by longterna exclosure expe¡ comparison of actual and historical vegetation data, analysis of the see bank and the diet of rabbits. The study started during summer 1995. First resuhs of the exclosure experiments indicate a much more stronger influence ofrabbits than ofhares on vegetation height and density. Growth and reproduction ofmost vascular plant species is inhibited by intensive rabbit grazing. Kurzfassung [M• M. (1999): The influence ofrabbits (O~yctolagus cuniculus L.) on the vegetation ofcoastal sand dunes: preliminary results of exclosure experiments. -Senckenbergiana marit., 29 (Suppl.): 95-97; Frankfurt a. M.] Aufden Dª der sª Nordseekª geh6rt das Wildkaninchen (Oryctolagus cuniculus) zu den wichtigsten Herbivoren. Seit ca. 100 Jahren sind drei der alten Ostfriesischen Inseln frei ron Kaninchen, so dag eine vergleichende Betrachtung der Vegetationsentwiddung aufdiesen und den anderen Wattenmeerinseln m6glich ist. In einer mehrj~ihrigen Studie, die im Sommer 1995 begann, soll der Einflufl des Kaninchens auf die Vegetationsentwicldung untersucht werden. Dazu werden Ausschlugexperimente durchgeflihrt, deren vorl~iufige Ergebnisse nach dem ersten Beobachtungsjahr hier vorgestellt werden. In allen Ausschluflfl/ichen nahmen sowohl die H6he als auch die Dichte der Vegetation deutlich zu, wobei einzelne Arten unterschiedlich stark auf den fehlenden Beweidungsdruck reagierten. Im Aspekt besonders auff~illig war die hohe Zahl von blª bzw. fruchtenden Gef~iflpflanzenarten innerhalb der eingez~iunten F1/ichen im Gegensatz zu den Kontrollfl~ichen. Authors' address: MARTINA M• C)kologie-Zentrum der Universit/it Kiel,
On the German island Norderney rabbit grazing effects on vegetation, soil and microclimate were investigated with exclosures in different dune vegetation. Differences in species composition between grazed and ungrazed plots increased with grazing activity. A decline in growth height resulted in higher light availability and temperature on the grazed sites. One of the most visible effects was the decline in flowering plants. Most grazing effects varied between habitat types. Grey dunes were distinctly affected by rabbit grazing. In relation to the habitat type, life forms were differently affected: in closed vegetation, rabbit activities further open patches, resulting in more therophytes. In contrast, in open vegetation rabbit activities were too strong and following sand dynamics too high for many therophytes. In general, grazing diversified habitats, slightly supported the total species-richness, and enhanced the heterogeneity of species composition. Highest speciesrichness in total and of herbs was reached at intermediate levels of grazing pressure. The study is in line that highest species-diversity will be found at intermediate levels of disturbance and environmental stress and that grazing effects vary with the habitat type.
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