Rodolfo demonstrates the difference in the intensity of herbivore damage between caged oak saplings (left), which are protected from large herbivores such as deer, and uncaged saplings (right).
Rodolfo demonstrates the difference in the intensity of herbivore damage between caged oak saplings (left), which are protected from large herbivores such as deer, and uncaged saplings (right).

Ecology of oak regeneration at Jasper Ridge

In this project, we are monitoring 75 pairs of individually caged saplings for three predominant oak species at Jasper Ridge: coast live oak, valley oak, and blue oak. The saplings are monitored for growth and survival, as well as invertebrate herbivory. We are documenting dramatic contrasts in mortality, and found that growth was lower in exposed plants compared to caged plants. Ongoing research includes the analysis of spatio-temporal variation in herbivory impacts (e.g., co-variation with drought) and cascading consequences for invertebrate herbivory.

Collaborator: Roger Guevara (Instituto de Ecología (INECOL), Veracruz, Mexico)

Funding: Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve

RD_oak regeneration_JR

Rodolfo demonstrates the difference in the intensity of herbivore damage between caged oak saplings (left), which are protected from large herbivores such as deer, and uncaged saplings (right).