“Human-mediated” impact of ungulates on the carbon stocks of the Veluwe forest (Gelderland, The Netherlands)

Di Nicola, Walter (2022) “Human-mediated” impact of ungulates on the carbon stocks of the Veluwe forest (Gelderland, The Netherlands). Master's Research Project 1, Ecology and Evolution.

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Abstract

Forests could represent a great help to reduce carbon footprints on regional scale. To exploit their potential, we need a correct understanding of their carbon cycling. Animals play a big role in carbon dynamics, but they are rarely included in carbon studies. In addition, while the impacts of some animals, such as ungulates, are affected by human presence, these effects have not been considered in studies on carbon stocks. To cover this lack of knowledge, we analysed the impact of ungulates on three carbon stocks (soil, litter, and aboveground vegetation) of the Veluwe forest, also considering the influence of humans. Using camera traps located in plots at different distances from human paths (20 and 100 metres), we related differences in presence and behaviour of ungulates with the carbon quantities of the carbon stocks measured in the same locations of the camera traps. We found fewer visits per day of ungulates close than away from human paths, but their behaviour was not significantly different. We also found higher concentrations of carbon in the aboveground vegetation and litter pools in plots close to human paths. We did not find differences in soil carbon content close and away from paths, but we did find a strong positive relation between litter content and soil organic matter, suggesting an indirect effect of ungulates on soil carbon. In conclusion, our study suggests that ungulates do have an impact on the carbon stocks and that human presence affects it.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Research Project 1)
Supervisor name:	Smit, C. and Mols, B.
Degree programme:	Ecology and Evolution
Thesis type:	Master's Research Project 1
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	07 Dec 2022 10:41
Last Modified:	07 Dec 2022 10:41
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/29028

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