ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF EUROPEAN BEAVER IN “DZŪKIJA” NATIONAL PARK

Authors

  • Marius Česnulevičius Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy

Keywords:

European beaver, habitats, methods, population, accounting

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the abundance and distribution of European beavers in the habitats of various types of water bodies – in the territory occupied by “Dzūkija” National Park. The study was conducted in the territory of Dzūkija National Park, which covers almost 560 square kilometers. The research was performed on the basis of approved methodologies using the arcGIS information system and the data of the Forest Cadaster of the Republic of Lithuania. In recent decades, European beaver populations in Lithuania have been growing rapidly, so it is important to determine the real number of individuals, which would help regulate population sizes and reduce the damage caused by beavers to farmers and foresters to a minimum. The best time to keep track is October-December, when grassland is completely fallen, and individuals are preparing for winter. For comparison, the number of hunted beavers in the 2020–2021 season was contacted. It was established that 23 individuals live in 20 survey plots of “Dzūkija” National Park. After calculations, the estimated number of individuals in the entire territory of the park is 680 units. The highest population concentration in rivers is 55.6 %. The largest part of the food diet consists of “Karklai” 33.35 % and “Lazdynai” 33.45 %.

Published

2022-06-07

Issue

Section

Wildlife population management