Porcupines Benefit Forests One of the favourite foods of the porcupine is dwarf mistletoe, genus Arceuthobium, a parasitic plant of coniferous trees that impairs tree growth, lowers wood quality and sometimes results in tree mortality. Porcupines also help out with other constructive forestry techniques by thinning out overgrown stands and reducing weed trees. By exposing tree sapwood to attack by insects, porcupines create snags, which further serve to provide shelter and nest sites for many wildlife species. In addition, excess food that falls to the ground as they feed creates a food source for deer and other mammals.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:26:23 +0000
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