Influence of cattle grazing on the density of oak seedlings and saplings in a Tabor oak forest in Israel

The density of seedlings and young sapling in the grazed Tabor oak forest were, respectively, 61% to 67% lower than in the ungrazed treatment. Implications on the continuity of the entire Tabor oak forest ecosystem are discussed. Three management measures that enable to prevent a decrease in young oak densities are proposed - reduction of stocking rate, deferment of the commencement of grazing, and fencing young seedlings.