English yew (Taxus baccata L.) has almost disappeared from our forests. In order for its conservation, it has become strictly protected. There are only a few stands with higher occurrence of yew left. Where it is still present, its regeneration is heavily affected by browsing. A forest stand with high yew presence on Bohor was analyzed in this research. Differences were found in yew population growing under conifers canopy cover, and the one under broadleaved canopy cover. A density of 220 yews per hectare was found under conifers cover, while under broadleaved cover 650 yews per hectare were found. The yew population growing under broadleaved cover had a more dynamic stand structure. Contrary to our expectations, high levels of regeneration were observed, with saplings being present in all height classes, despite signs of browsing. Reasons for its successful regeneration can be found in its high seed production, and the absence of red deer in these areas, which requires larger food intakes, than roe deer, which is regularly present.
|
