PRELIMINARY RESEARCH OF DAMAGES BY RED DEER TO FOREST TREES IN THE AREA OF MOSLAVAČKA GORA (MIDDLE CROATIA) SAVA RIVER BASIN IN CROATIA

Abstract

Damages by red deer (Cervus elaphus) on trees in forest habitats make permanent and large problem in many European countries, including Croatia. Researches on this topic in Croatia have been done occasionally, without systematic monitoring of impact and intensity of damage on forest stands. Experimental determination of damages was done in 2012 in the hunting ground VII/15 “Zapadna Garjevica” (hunting surface 23,759 ha), located in the middle part of Moslavacka Gora Mountain. Field surveys were performed on selected plots with total surface of 584 ha. The composition of dendro flora, number of trees, diameter breast high and tree age were determined on each plot. Data were collected according to methodology for forest management and inventory. Total of 196,031 trees were measured, of which 58,255 were damaged, and 137,776 were undamaged. Damages in the forest stands are permanently present because man with its management practice changed and imposed living conditions for deer and other game species. Regulations in the hunting ground and proper management by creating surface convenient for pastures, sufficient and quality food and feeding sources, facilitate setting up a balance between forest management and size of red deer population in the hunting ground.