Assessing the effects of large herbivores on the three-dimensional structure of temperate forests using terrestrial laser scanning

•TLS data complement fine scale habitat structures quantification.•3D habitat structures varied between each stand types in temperate forest.•Large herbivores altered understory VAI, gaps and visibility revealed by TLS.•TLS provides detailed parameters directly related to the ecological needs of species.•Broad prospects on TLS to guide the local scale protection practice.