Metla Project 3250

Damage caused by cervid species and controlling methods

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Duration: 1999-2004   Keywords: Alces, GIS, cervidae, damage control, optimizing, risk of damage, satellite imagery, socio-economic valuation, stand quality, traffic accidents, young forest stands

Objectives

The effects of large herbivores, moose and deer species, on forest stands and tree quality are studied at different landscape scales. Browsing effects on the quality of economically valuable tree species are analysed to find out the importance of damage on tree and stand levels. Changes caused by browsing in the composition of forest vegetation are investigated to explain the role of moose and deer in forest ecosystems. Studies conducted in managed and natural forests serve assessing the sustainability between animals and their habitats. Characteristics of forest stands are classified according to the habitat selection of moose. Carrying capacity estimations are used to develop environmental management planning in combining the ecological aspects between forestry and cervid species. The habitats and resources of animals are classified using satellite imagery in order to find out predictive rules at landscape levels. Habitat selection is studied using telemetry in a landscape with moose-related damage problems. The importance of food alternatives and plant protection are studied for directing browsing and reducing damage.

From the economic point of view the motive is to find out balance between costs and benefits in relation to the population densities of moose. The socio-economic studies of the relationships between moose and different social interest groups intend to solve problems connected with valuation of moose population. The aim is to assess economically and ecologically optimal population level using valuation research methods and dynamic models applied in sciences of economics in nature resources. Empirical research deals with the costs and benefits among relevant social groups such as landowners and users of roads. Hunter's groups as a part of the network of countryside society as well as the citizens as a whole include in study objectives. The socio-economic relationships are connected with studies on ecological carrying capacity.

Results

Moose damage has been increasing, and the continuous browsing pressure has evidently reduced also the diversity of deciduous tree species in high-density moose ranges. Rowan has been commonly declining, and the number of aspens can be reduced by forest management as well as by moose and deer. The sustainability of nature conservation areas can often be relatively low due to the slow regeneration rate. In managed forests the overall availability of food resources should be taken into account in planning. Reducing the moose population is generally needed to avoid damage on valuable and highly susceptible deciduous trees. Chemical deterrent can prevent bark stripping of aspen. Hunting activities regulates the amount of damage, often requiring considerable costs.

Moose browsing can be directed to the side twigs of young advanced pines using salt, and reduce damage in seedling stand. In high-density moose areas the browsing effect may alter the proportional availability of deciduous trees especially in nature conservation areas. Forest owner-hunters rate high other values than moose meat, and mainly not much changes are wanted in moose population size.

Project leader: Heikkilä, Risto
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa Unit, PL 18, FI-01301 VANTAA, FINLAND
Phone: +358 10 211 2472 Telefax: +358 10 211 2204
E-mail: risto.heikkila@metla.fi

Other researchers: Aarnio, Jukka, VA (2001-04), Horne, Paula, VA (2001-03), Lilja, Arja, VA (2001,2004), Nikula, Ari, RO (2001-04), Nousiainen, Hannu, VA (2004), Petäjistö, Leena, VA (2001-04), Selby, Ashley, VA (2001-04)


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Updated 31.12.2007
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