Factors Affecting Acorn Selection by Small Mammals and its Implications for Oak Recruitment
Abstract
Collin A. Davidson, ETSU Biology, Ryan B. Stephens, ETSU Biology Small mammals can influence oak dispersal by removing acorns and caching them elsewhere. Small mammal foraging may vary by tree species, seed size, and by environmental variables such as shrub cover. The factors affecting how acorns are selected and their fate post selection have received little attention in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains in eastern Tennessee are home to a diverse community of trees, with forests often dominated by oak species that differ considerably in seed size. Over the past century, evergreen shrubs including rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.) and mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) have become increasingly abundant. To determine the factors that affect small mammal foraging and determine seed selection, we placed cafeteria style seed trays and trail cameras above them in the central Blue Ridge Mountains. Our design consists of 42 sites with two seed trays placed at each: one in a dense shrub area and the other in an open area. Each tray holds 30 acorns varying in size with six each of five species, black oak (Quercus velutina), pin oak (Quercus palustris), red oak (Quercus rubra), water oak (Quercus nigra), and willow oak (Quercus phellos). Each acorn is tagged and labeled to determine seed fate and see how far it is moved. We predict that acorn foraging and recovery will increase with greater acorn sizes and shrub cover. Results of our study could help to identify the effectiveness of oak recruitment in a region that is becoming increasing occupied by evergreen shrubs.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 10:00 AM
Room Number
272
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Research-in-Progress
Presentation Category
Science, Technology, and Engineering
Faculty Mentor
Stephens Ryan
Factors Affecting Acorn Selection by Small Mammals and its Implications for Oak Recruitment
272
Collin A. Davidson, ETSU Biology, Ryan B. Stephens, ETSU Biology Small mammals can influence oak dispersal by removing acorns and caching them elsewhere. Small mammal foraging may vary by tree species, seed size, and by environmental variables such as shrub cover. The factors affecting how acorns are selected and their fate post selection have received little attention in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains in eastern Tennessee are home to a diverse community of trees, with forests often dominated by oak species that differ considerably in seed size. Over the past century, evergreen shrubs including rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.) and mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) have become increasingly abundant. To determine the factors that affect small mammal foraging and determine seed selection, we placed cafeteria style seed trays and trail cameras above them in the central Blue Ridge Mountains. Our design consists of 42 sites with two seed trays placed at each: one in a dense shrub area and the other in an open area. Each tray holds 30 acorns varying in size with six each of five species, black oak (Quercus velutina), pin oak (Quercus palustris), red oak (Quercus rubra), water oak (Quercus nigra), and willow oak (Quercus phellos). Each acorn is tagged and labeled to determine seed fate and see how far it is moved. We predict that acorn foraging and recovery will increase with greater acorn sizes and shrub cover. Results of our study could help to identify the effectiveness of oak recruitment in a region that is becoming increasing occupied by evergreen shrubs.
