Case study of broad-leaved tree planting in a coastal area deforested by a typhoon storm-surge under sika deer appearance

<p>A 2-year planting test was conducted by using 12 tree species, including evergreen shrubs, subarboreal trees, and arboreal trees, to identify the appropriate tree species for the restoration of the Ozato-Matsubara coastal forest in Tokushima Prefecture, western Japan. This area was deforested by a typhoon storm-surge and suffered from sika deer appearance. The appropriate combination of tree species and countermeasures against deer for successful planting was discussed on the basis of seedling performance and deer browsing damage. Cluster analysis using variables related to seedling performance and deer damage revealed that 12 tree species were divided into two groups: one group of seven species with minor deer damage and another group of five with severe damage. Vigorous height growth was shown by the subarboreal species Morella rubra and Daphniphyllum teijsmannii among the minorly damaged species and by the shrub species Pittosporum tobira among the severely damaged species. Leaf discoloration that was likely due to photoinhibition was observed in arboreal species, such as Cinnamomum camphora, C. yabunikkei, Machilus thunbergii, and Elaeocarpus sylvestris var. ellipticus. The mosaic landscape of small forests and abandoned farmlands between coastal and interior forests could encourage deer appearance at the planting site. A planting scheme using a combination of arboreal species and nurse trees, such as M. rubra, D. teijsmannii, and P. tobira, and the installation of deer-proof fences in small plots was proposed for the restoration of deforested coastal areas under sika deer appearance.</p>