Barkfeeding

Barkfeeding is the behavior of consuming bark and the underlying tissues, such as phloem or cambium, from trees. It encompasses activities ranging from peeling and gnawing by various animals to incidental consumption of bark during foraging. Barkfeeding is observed in multiple taxonomic groups, including insects that feed under the bark, mammals that strip bark to access cambial tissue, and some birds that probe bark surfaces.

Insects such as bark beetles (family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae) bore into bark to reach phloem, often forming galleries that disrupt nutrient transport and can girdle a tree. Mammals like beavers and porcupines frequently strip bark to reach cambial tissue, particularly in winter when other foods are scarce. Ungulates, especially deer and elk, may strip saplings and small trees. Some birds can forage on the bark for hidden invertebrates or lichens, though this is typically bark-associated foraging rather than pure barkfeeding.

Ecological implications include potential reductions in tree vigor, increased susceptibility to pathogens, and changes in forest structure. Barkfeeding can contribute to nutrient cycling and create microhabitats for other organisms, but heavy feeding is usually detrimental to individual trees and can influence stand dynamics.

Management concerns arise in forestry and urban settings when barkfeeding damage is extensive. Monitoring, protective measures for young trees, and disruption of pest populations through ecological or regulatory methods may be employed. Understanding barkfeeding patterns helps assess outbreak risk and inform tree selection and habitat management.