植物および群落に及ぼすシカの影響

概要

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Studies on the effects of deer on plants and plant communities were reviewed. Many studies describe the floral and quantitative changes of community composition, but analytical studies based on autecology of each plant species are quite limited. Studies focusing on species diversity of plant communities are few. Grazing and browsing effects of deer and other herbivorous mammals are different from mechanical cutting in that animals eat plants selectively according to preference. Understanding of variables associated with this preference is essential for this kind of study. Anti-herbivory strategies of plants are divided into "exposing" strategy and defensive strategy. The former is adopted by graminoids, particularly by short grasses. The latter strategy is further divided into chemical defense and physical (mechanical) defense. Chemical defense is found in many forbs and shrubs but in few monocots or tree species, suggesting that this strategy is developed in particular taxonomic groups. Physical defense, typically shown by thorns, is found in many shrubs and several forbs. Discussion on interrelations between grasses and grazers would be more fruitful if they are focused on the meaning of grazing for plant communities rather than for plant species. Characteristic cervid behavior such as fraying and wallowing should be reconsidered in light of the effects on vegetation.
日本生態学会の論文
1989-04-30