ZLV Online

Abstract

The increase in wild ungulate population density harms the dynamics of forest ecosystems. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the initial degree of damage, as a key factor in the secondary spread of fungal pathogens, and other parameters as a result of bark stripping caused by red deer (Cervus elaphus L.). The research focused on young Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) stands (7–26 years) in a total of 20 permanent research plots at four locations in the Klášterec nad Ohří and Rumburk Forest Service, each with an area of 100 m2 (10 m × 10 m). From the assessment of 783 spruce individuals, it follows that damage by bark stripping in particular stands amounted to 23.4–58.3%. Average circumferential damage ranged between 20.2–32.1% with a trunk wound length of 38.5–77.0 cm. Overall, a significant (p < 0.05) difference in dendrometric parameters (DBH and tree height) was found between undamaged “healthy” trees, and individuals with new and old damage in terms of attractiveness to game. The average DBH of undamaged trees varies between 2.0 and 3.7 cm, which is the size that wildlife prefers for initial damage. The lowest dimension of newly damaged trees starts from a DBH of 1.5 cm, and trees with a DBH > approx. 9 cm were no longer searched for wildlife. Effective hunting management and regulation of the abundance of ungulates to ecologically acceptable levels are the key to the protection of forest stands.