Einfluss von Wildhuftieren auf den Wald seit Langem zu hoch – was tun? (Essay)

Abstract

Impact of wild ungulates on forests too high for too long – what to do? (Essay) The impact of wild ungulates on forest regeneration has increased in Swiss forests for about five decades, and is currently in many places clearly too high. In the long term, this is likely to cause losses in forest ecosystem services, in particular so since it must be feared that ungulate impacts will further increase. The problem is accentuated by climate change which creates the need for a higher share of tree species that tolerate a warmer and drier climate, but are sensitive to browsing. Solutions to secure forest services are urgently needed, especially in mountain forests where protective measures to prevent damage are largely impractical. To find such solutions, an intensified communication between the players is most important. Moreover, the following approaches seem promising: 1) coherence in the objectives, 2) improved foundations for decision-making, 3) measures to bring ungulate populations in line with the available habitat und 4) the study and documentation of success stories.