Natural regeneration of Pinus pinaster to protect Quercus ilex plantations against excess ungulate browsing

In the last decades, the maritime pine bast scale, Matsucoccus feytaudi, has severely damaged Pinus pinaster in the eastern side of its distribution. In a protected area in Central Italy, a forest restoration project was designed to replace a forest canopy after clearcutting of damaged pine stands. Seven years ago, logging was followed by planting of Quercus ilex using 1.2-m tall tree-shelters. However, ungulate browsing pressure has restricted seedling development. In the framework of a wide evaluation of this project, we present a study about the relationships between pine natural regeneration occurring after clearcutting and oak plantation development. Data on browsing and oak growth were collected in six sample areas, specifically examining the direct and indirect protection from browsing provided by pine saplings; pine density and plant development in relation to distance from oaks were considered. Repeated browsing strongly compromises plantation success. The probability of oak seedlings being browsed, however, was lower for individuals growing among pines than for those growing in isolated shelters. Oak establishment and growth increased as seedlings grew close to vigorous pines.