Effects of goat, sheep and wild boar grazing on the regeneration of an under conversion oak forest

The effects of sheep and goats, as well as wild boar (Sus scrofa) grazing activities on the oak regeneration were investigated in an under conversion Mediterranean oak forest. Twenty experimental plots were established (half of them were fenced in order to exclude grazing), in 10 selected areas used by goats, sheep and wild boars. The number of oak seedlings and acorns were measured. Grazing by wild boars, sheep and a combination of them did not have a significant influence on the mean number of oak seedlings. On the contrary, grazing by goats, either in common with sheep or wild boars significantly reduced the mean number of oak seedlings. No significant differences were detected in the mean number of acorns between the treatments. Thus, goat grazing may be detrimental related to oak regeneration as compared to the other animals studied. More research is needed on the effect of goats’ grazing (intensity, stocking rates, grazing season, etc.), as well as on the relationships that may emerge between livestock and the wild boar in order to firmly derive conclusions about the sustainable management of oak forests.