SEASON AND DISTANCE FROM FOREST - OLD FIELD EDGE AFFECT SEED PREDATION BY WHITE-FOOTED MICE

We studied the spatial pattern of seed predation across a forest-old field edge in both fall and winter to assess the potential for seed predators to influence plant spatial patterns. We used a 100 x 100 m grid that began 30 m inside the forest and extended 60 m into the old field. Inside this grid we placed seed stations at regular 10 m intervals and monitored seed removal. Seed predation varied significantly across the edge gradient in both fall and winter with the highest rate of seed removal at the edge in both trials. The spatial pattern of seed predation also differed between seasons. The field portion of the site (³ 30 m from the edge) was characterized by high seed removal rates in winter and low removal rates in fall. This spatial and temporal variation may alter tree establishment, causing long-term changes in plant community composition and structure.