THE INFLUENCE OF REINDEER BEASTS ON THE FOREST AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR POPULATION IN MIKIERIAI FOREST

Abstract

The effectiveness of forest protection measures largely depends on the density of deer. The aim of the work is to evaluate the influence of deer populations on the forest and their management in the territory of Mikieriai forest district of SE Anykščiai regional unit.

The research was carried out in the territory of Mikieriai forest district of Anykščiai regional unit of SE SFE. In order to assess the condition of the deer population: abundance and hunting of deer, red deer, elk and fallow deer, statistical data from the Utena Regional Environmental Protection Department of the SFE Anykščiai Regional Subdivision were used. These data covered the years 2020-2021. Abundance and hunting of deer, red deer, and moose in 2020-2021. In the territory of Mikieriai forest district it is obtained from 7 hunter-clubs located there. The data of the assessments of the negative impact of deer animals on the greenery in 2020-2022 in Mikieriai forest district were obtained by analyzing the relevant records from the hunters' groups at that time. 2020-2021 damage to forest greenery  is estimated at 152.6 ha.

It is estimated that for the period 2020-2021. The density of red deer and roe deer in the forests of Mikieriai forest district of Anykščiai regional unit of SE SFE in 1000 ha exceeded the allowable norm about 1.5 times, and that of elk almost 3 times. In Mikieriai forest district in 2020. an average of 1.4 percent was hijacked. greenery shoots and plucked 3.07 percent. trunk bark. 2021 bark depletion decreased 1.2 times compared to 2020. However, the degree of shoot cutting has increased significantly, especially in the areas of the Viešintos Hunters' Circle.