Preferences of Two Mammalian Herbivores for Tree Seedlings and Potential Cover Crops in Plantation Forestry (Report‪)‬

Introduction Tree seedlings growing in Tasmanian forestry plantations are often damaged by mammalian herbivores. Red-bellied pademelons (Thylogale billardierii), common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus) are the three native herbivores shown to be responsible for most of this damage (Statham 1983). Browsing damage to young seedlings can reduce long-term plantation productivity by reducing seedling growth rate and survival, and by changing tree form (Wilkinson and Neilsen 1995; Coleman et al. 1997). Browsing is generally controlled using lethal methods, such as shooting or poisoning with 1080 (sodium monofluroacetate), to reduce herbivore numbers. Such lethal methods have received much public criticism, increasing the need for alternative, non-lethal methods of reducing browsing damage in plantations.