Jays, mice and oaks: predation and dispersal of Quercus robur and Q. petraea in North-western Europe.

Abstract

This paper reviews the role of European jay [Garrulus glandarius] and wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) as predators and dispersers of Quercus robur and Q. petraea in north-western Europe. The similarities and differences in hoarding behaviour between the two species are presented, and the seed fate from the moment acorns ripen on the tree until the shoot appears from the germinated seed is compared. The impact of both species on oak populations in different habitats and landscapes are evaluated. Data from a number of field experiments that investigated the effects of structural characteristics of the habitat on seed dispersal and predation by rodents are also presented.