The effect of rabbit herbivory on reforestation of abandoned pasture in southern Costa Rica

Abstract

Previous research indicates that a number of factors may limit forest seedling growth in abandoned tropical pastures; however, mammalian seedling herbivory has not been previously reported as a major factor inhibiting tropical pasture restoration. Seedlings of four native tree species were planted in abandoned pasture in southern Costa Rica to test their suitability for reforestation. Overall, the stems of 64% of the seedlings were cut by rabbits and only 26% of the seedlings survived 2 years after planting. Those seedlings that were able to survive and resprout after cutting by rabbits showed much lower growth rates than uncut seedlings. This study suggests that mammalian herbivory may be a more important factor in tropical reforestation than previously assumed. Experimental tests over larger spatial and temporal scales are needed to ascertain the degree to which it limits reforestation efforts.