The Cervid (Cervidae) Monitoring in Lithuania (1993-1998): Abundance, Dynamics and Distribution

Abstract

In 1993-1998, the monitoring of roe deer, red deer and elk was carried out to evaluate the state and dynamics of cervid (Cervidae) populations in Lithuania. Investigations were performed in 7 forest stationaries (37 thou ha) representing dominant landscapes. The cervid abundance and distribution was estimated by recording the animals. excrement pellet groups of non-vegetation period in registration routes. The roe deer population, which suffered the greatest loss from the severe winter 1995/96, was the most unsteady in the stationaries. During the investigation period, the average density of the roe-deer population decreased by 10.1 to 8.3, red deer – 4.3 to 4.0, elk – 4.5 to 3.4 individuals per 1000 ha of forest area. The highest density of roe deer was observed in hilly morainic upland forests, and that of elk — in sandy plain forests. In 1998, the average excrement aggregation degree (Id) in roe deer was 3.3, red deer – 12.8, and elk – 5.7 in the investigated areas. Besides, the indicator was inversely...