The main objective of this visit to the reserve is to install bird exclusions in oka trees to test for the role of the herbivore natural enemies (i.e., insectivorous birds) on patterns of variation of insect herbivory and plant defenses across insular systems . We will install bird exclusions on one to two populations of three oak species (Quercus spp.) found in Santa cruz UC reserve: Quercus pacifica, Q. agrifolia and Q. xmacdonaldii and Q. tomentella. Sampling will include placing mesh nettings on two branches in four reproductive trees in each population.

Approved