A basis for sustainable wise use of game in Hungary: Defining management regions

Abstract

In Hungary, there is a consensus on implementing ecological knowledge and principles in game and wildlife management. These aims can be achieved by the determination of relatively homogeneous game management regions and by regional planning. In this way game populations in ecologically similar areas can be managed on the basis of common long-term strategies; the objectives of nature conservation, forestry, agriculture and game management may also be harmonized. On the basis of game management, forestry and agricultural land use data, the opportunities for defining game management regions were investigated. In the analyses, spring population estimates and catch data of 682 game management units for 1990 were used. The game management units were classified using cluster and discriminant analyses. Statistical procedures revealed eight main groups of game management units; these groups were classified into three types (big game, small game and intermediate) on the basis of population density and type of game species killed. The boundaries of management regions were set in accordance with the geographical distribution of the three types as well as the natural characteristics of the country (e.g. forest distribution, mountains and rivers). Finally, six large game management regions were determined, in which 21 sub-regions could be distinguished. On the basis of their greater homogeneity, and knowing that management objectives can be more clearly defined and realized in smaller areas, sub-regions are suggested as operative planning units.