抄録
This paper describes a study of the spatial structure and gap dynamics of a beech forest affected by the overbrowsing by sika deer (Cervus nippon) in the eastern part of the Tanzawa mountain zone of Kanagawa Prefecture. Beech (Fagus crenata), walnut (Pterocarya rhoifolia), linden (Tilia japonica) and fir (Abies homolepis) dominate the canopy layer of the forest, but the shrub layer is dominated by epaullete trees (Pterostyrax hispidata), which are pioneer plants and unpalatable for sika deer. All seedlings except these are subject to great stress caused by sika deer overbrowsing. It assumed that epaullete trees invade and grow rapidly in many gaps in the beech forest, without competition from other species. On the other hand, seedlings of other species grow normally in areas protected by fence. In conclusion, control of the sika deer population is required for normal regeneration of the beech forest.
