Harmfulness of forest rodents in the Karelian birch plantations
The challenge of promoting the survival rate in plantations of the Karelian birch, which resources in Karelia are severely depleted, is considered. The focus is on the damage caused to Karelian birch plantations by mouse-like rodents and hares in felled sites and abandoned farmland. In years with high abundance, mouse-like rodents are known to be able to seriously damage the plantations not only in winter, but also in the summer season. Damage by hares has less effect on the survival rate of Karelian birch plantations compared to that by mouse-like rodents. One of the reasons for selective rodent damage to Karelian birch is the elevated content of sugars in the plants, which enhances their dietary value. It is recommended to avoid planting Karelian birch in felled sites and abandoned farmland in years with mouse-like rodent abundances on a significant rise.