Management of invasive Pinaceae is imperiled by the lack of invasive ungulate control: successful restoration requires multiple-species management
2019
The magnitude and direction of an invasive species’ impact may be determined by its co-existence and interaction with other species. In Argentina,
wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer are introduced mammals that have important negative impacts on ecosystems. In Patagonia, nonnative
Pinaceaeremoval programs have been promoted since the 1980s to control exotic conifers and restore
nativevegetation. The consequences of removing exotic trees without continued management intervention may be unexpected due novel interactions between nonnative species. We evaluate habitat use of introduced
ungulates, interactions with
nativeand exotic plants, and their implications for restoration objectives in areas where pines have been removed. Exotic plant species richness and abundance was greater in
clear-cuts than
nativeforest or pine plantations. In contrast, richness and abundance of
native plantswas highest in
nativeforests.
Clear-cuts had the highest plant species diversity, primarily driven by high numbers of exotics, relative to
nativeforests.
Boarand deer were recorded in
clear-cuts,
nativeforests, and pine plantations, but deer were more frequently observed in
clear-cuts. Removal of pines created a suitable habitat for deer. The herbivory pressure of deer, coupled with the presence and abundance of invasive plants, can prevent or hinder the establishment and development of
nativeshrubs and trees that are required for the structure and function of the
nativeecosystem. Although the conditions in
clear-cuts
present complexchallenges for natural regeneration, these sites could be an excellent opportunity for active restoration strategies, by excluding
ungulatesand controlling exotic plants to promote
nativespecies recovery.
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