CRB: Mechanisms of Vole Suppression of Tallgrass Dicots

University Of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract Proposal Number DEB-0108417 H. F. Howe University of Illinois - Chicago CRB: MECHANISMS OF VOLE SUPPRESION OF TALL GRASS DICOTS Experimental restoration uses land reclamation techniques to test fundamental ecological theory, and thereby inform management practices. Here, we propose to maintain a highly successful example of such an attempt to (1) determine the mechanism of suppression of tallgrass vegetation by voles, and (2) follow the study for sufficient time to detect an anticipated numerical response by prairie species. Selective herbivory by voles can reduce the biomass of preferred forage species and reduce plant diversity. Subsequent increases in voles to peak densities can have an ungulate-like effect, with up to a 98% reduction in standing crop in vole-accessible plots compared to the situation in vole-protected areas. To evaluate the mechanism of suppression that explains why target species are reduce to rosettes in some plots but manage to grow, flower, and seed in others, we will use individual hardware cloth exclosures that protect shoots of target species as they emerge, with a scheduled removal of protection at two week intervals. The experiment will be maintained for three years, thereby allowing an asssessment of the numerical response of prairie species./