The suitability of selected tree and shrub species as browse for red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in respect to site conditions in the East Ore Mountains

During the past decades the planting of timber species has led to a qualita tive and quantitative decimation of the species abundance among suitable de ciduous forage trees and shrubs. In order to cover their natural demand for fiber rich browse, red deer browse on timber trees in species poor biotope s. A possibility to compensate for the often great demage caused by this br owsing is the establishment of plantings with appropriate browse species (T able 1). These planted areas help alleviate the browsing pressure on the ti mber trees as well as on the succession of other shrub and herb species. The evaluation of a planting trial for 5 different woody species as possibl e browse clearly showed the great differences in their suitability and acce ptance (Table 5). The basis for evaluation was the investigation of various relevant characteristics of browse plants. Nutrient contents, forage produ ction (Figure 1) regeneration potential (Table 3), and the decrease in net forage production with and without trimming (Figure 2), as well as the fora ge mass used by the red deer (Figure 3) and the browsing intensity to deter mine preferences (Figure 4) were ail taken into consideration. Finally cost differences as a decision factor in the establishment of browse areas were included (Figure 5). The results for the individual species tested were weighted in accordance t o their influence on their suitability as browse. From this the species wer e listed in order of preference (Table 4). Salix cordata, Salix alba, and C ornus alba in this sequence are suited as browse species under the conditio ns prevailing in these trials. The planting of Euonymus curopea can only be recommended with limitations. Ligustrum vulgare is less appropriate under the site conditions of the trials. If the present trend of natural forest management with multiple tree and sh rub species continues, then the establishment of special browse plantings w ill be of less importance in the next decades. In order to promote the feas ibility of this long term goal the establishment and management of browse p lantings should be continued and encouraged.