A fenced exclosure in Warra coupe WR08b, with abundant regeneration of tree seedlings demonstrating the impact of release from mammal browsing. Image: Andrew Walsh

Very few studies have closely examined mammal browsing in the native forest silvicultural context. This study was conducted to investigate the following: (a) quantify damage caused by browsing mammals in the first 2 years of regeneration in wet eucalypt forest in the Warra Silvicultural Systems Trial area; (b) examine the temporal and spatial nature of this damage; (c) determine which browsing species are responsible for any damage observed; and (d) evaluate the importance of monitoring cotyledonary damage and to develop an appropriate monitoring regime.