Metla Project 3429

Regional aspects of the societal and forestry effects of cervids in Finland

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Duration: 2006-2011   Keywords: benefits, biodiversity, browsing damage, cervids , ecological carrying capacity, forestry, habitat
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Objectives

The moose population in Finland has increase and with it so have the societal effects of the moose population. Different moose-related interest groups have conflicting targets with respect to the ideal moose density. These density targets also vary regionally. To avoid conflicts of interest and to safeguard the moose ecosystem, information is required to support decision-making concerning moose management at the local level. This information should concern the ecological, economic and societal effect of the moose population. This research project answers society's demands for a multi-discipline approach to the moose population problem. The project examines both the costs and benefits created by the moose, ranging from studies of moose ecology and habitats to the role of moose hunting in sustaining rural vitality. The project will produce 1) knowledge concerning the influence of landscape structure on the location and intensity of moose damage and on the density of the moose population; 2) knowledge concerning the effects of moose on forestry and the forest ecosystem; and 3) and understanding of the social and economic benefits and costs of moose, as well as the attitudes to the moose of different interest groups and society as a whole. A synthesis of this accumulated knowledge will enable the recommendation of optimal regional moose densities based on a compromise between ecological demands and the demands of forestry and the various moose-related interest groups

Project leader: Matala, Juho
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Office, PO Box 68 (Yliopistokatu 6), FI-80101 JOENSUU, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 5275
E-mail: juho.matala@metla.fi

Other researchers: Aarnio, Jukka (2007-11), Heikkilä, Risto (2007-09), Härkönen, Sauli (2007-08), Lilja, Arja, VA (2007), Niemi, Milla (2009), Nikula, Ari, RO (2007-11), Ollikainen, Iina (2007), Petäjistö, Leena, VA (2007-11), Rytkönen, Anna (2007), Selby, Ashley (2007-10), Tanskanen, Ari (2010)


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Updated 02.02.2013
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