Early season grazing effects on birch, grass, herbs and plant litter in coastal meadows used by reindeer: a short-term case study

Abstract

Abstract:The effects of short-term grazing by reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) on birch (Betula pubescens), grasses, herbs and plant litter in coastal meadows in spring were investigated in grazed and control plots in 1996 and 1997. The meadow contained 29 different plant species, all but one of which (Deschampsia caespitosa) were intensively grazed by reindeer. Young birch eaten by reindeer did not increase in mean height (9 cm), while birch protected from grazing grew from 9 to 22 cm (P<0.05) during the two years of the experiment. The ratio of grasses to herbs was higher (P<0.05) in the grazed plots than in the control plots, and the relative abundace of grasses increased during the summer in both years. The abundance of Rumex asetosa and Alchemilla subcrenata decreased (P<0.05) in response to grazing. From spring 1996, plant litter increased (P<0.05) on the control plots until the investigation came to an end in spring 1998, unlike grazed vegetation. Reindeer affects the coastal meadows in northern Norway in spring by brows¬ ing on birch and grazing on herbs and grass which in the long term might influence the cultural landscape in favour of the growth of grass species.

Mountain Birch Seedlings in the Treeline Ecotone, Subarctic Finland: Variation in Above- and Below-Ground Growth Depending on Microtopography

“…A connection between intensive reindeer grazing and trampling on the one hand and low birch seedling densities and growth rates on the other hand has been documented by several studies (e.g. Eilertsen et al, 2002;den Herder and Niemelä , 2003;Lempa et al, 2005). A comparable shelter effect of willow coppice on birch seedlings at the treeline is reported from Norwegian sheep pastures (Lö ffler et al, 2004).…”

Conservation of endangered and rare plants requires strategies additional to deer‐proof fencing for conservation of sub‐alpine plant diversity

“…manshurica , Viola hirtipes ) seem to be foraged heavily early in the season when tall vegetation is sparse; therefore, the positive effect of fencing was season‐dependent. Early‐season (spring) foraging often restricts later plant growth (Eilertsen et al, 2002). Therefore, early‐season protection would be important for short plants, although browsing damage and recovery tend to be masked later in the season.…”

Factors structuring the treeline ecotone in Fennoscandia

“…However, in a study from Finland, up to 90% of the available leaf biomass in the 0-130 cm layer above the ground was consumed ( Figure 8; Helle 2001). Reindeer browsing may result in significantly reduced height growth, crown cover, leaf area and leaf production (Eilertsen et al 2002;Dalen 2004).…”