Natural regeneration in high-mountain spruce forests is limited and is heavily influenced by seed predators. Six research plots were established in the Pahernik forests, three were placed in the stands and three in the gaps. On each plot we placed 7 plates containing beech and spruce seeds. We covered two of the large plates with leaves and soil and left two uncovered and placed another three small plates close together. In our thesis we studied how seed density, position within stand, tree species and seed coverage influence seed predation and species of predators. The results indicated that coverage is the most influential factor, as more seeds were lost when the seeds were not covered with soil. Higher seed losses were recorded 1) in spruce seeds compared to beech seeds, 2) in seeds placed in a stand, 3) in seeds placed together. We suggest that in the high-mountain regions, under similar growing conditions, seeds that are less favoured by predators should be used otherwise they should be mechanically protected when reforesting by direct seeding. To decrease seed predation by birds seeds should be planted in gaps and in areas with scarce ground vegetation to avoid predation by rodents. After sowing, the seeds should be covered with leaves and soil.
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