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Herbivores, including insects and ungulates, form an integral part of the forest ecosystem. When occurring in large numbers, they can sometimes produce undesirable effects and a degradation of forest resources. A few decades ago damage caused by moose in pine plantations and outbreaks of some insect species posed a serious problem for forest management. The surveys from that time determined the current situation, which in places seemed rather hopeless. The forest ecosystem, however, has the ability to partially recover after disturbances. What part do the animal-caused disturbances play over a longer time span is impossible to predict in the early stages of the succession. Now, having the necessary time-perspective, it is possible to assess the significance of the damage and its consequences more accurately. The main aim of the research project is to determine what has happened to the forests which were damaged by ungulates and insects about 20-30 years ago, what are the consequences of animal-caused disturbances for trees and for the forest ecosystem as a whole, and what is the role of herbivore animals as disturbance agents in forest under the changed conditions of today. |