Objectif Herbivore top-down effects and abiotic bottom-up effects are important in structuring forest systems. Recent studies showed that carnivores may shape indirectly herbivore effects. It is largely unknown how these factors interact in complete ecosystems. The project aims to understand how large canivores and abiotics shape herbivore top-down effects. The study area is one of the most complete forest systems in Europe, the Białowieża Primeval Forest in Poland, harbouring two large carnivores (wolf, lynx) and five ungulates (bison, moose, red deer, roe deer, wild boar). To test the interactions between herbivory and abiotics we will use an experiment that was started during the previous Marie Curie Fellowship of the applicant. In this full-factorial experiment the effects of both factors on ungulates and growth of trees have been measured. Also the work started by the applicant on 'browsing lawns' will be expanded. This new concept was recently described for African systems where intensive foraging by herbivores leads to a positive feed-back on food availability and quality. By means of video cameras and small exclosures in browsing lawns we will study if similar principles operate in temperate forest systems. The interactions between carnivores and herbivores will be studied by relating data on predator presence (scats, tracks, dens) to existing data of radio-collared ungulates from the host institute. Small-scale experiments should reveal whether olfactory cues or habitat visibility are important factors in predator avoidance. The applicant will work at the institute of his previous Marie Curie Fellowship. Hence the project allows for a continuation of the established contacts within and outside the Polish institute as well as international cooperation (Netherlands, Norway). The proposed work will form the habilitation thesis of the applicant which greatly facilitates his long-term reintegration in the Polish scientific community after the duration of the project. Champ scientifique engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensorsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystems Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG - Marie Curie Action: "Reintegration Grants" Appel à propositions FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MC-ERG - European Re-integration Grants (ERG) Coordinateur MAMMAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE - POLISH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Contribution de l’UE € 45 000,00 Adresse ul Waszkiewicza, 1c 17230 BIALOWIEZA Pologne Voir sur la carte Type d’activité Research Organisations Contact administratif Bogumila Jedrzejewska (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
