Bark stripping damage by red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in the fenced rearing centre “Lomnicka Reka“

Abstract

Bark stripping damage is a serious problem in some forest hunting grounds in Serbia. This study aimed at assessing the incidence and intensity of bark stripping by red deer in the fenced rearing centre ?Lomnicka Reka? (Mt. Veliki Jastrebac, central Serbia). The data were collected by detailed surveying of the entire rearing centre over spring and autumn 2008, 2009 and 2010. Our results show that, in spring and summer, it is exclusively broadleaf tree species that are bark stripped by red deer, mainly beech (86.3% or 536 trees) and hornbeam (10.1% or 63 trees). The incidence and intensity of bark stripping were the highest in the diameter class of 20-39.9 cm. Damaged trees were identified in all parts of the rearing centre, at all aspects and at different slopes. Beech bark was stripped over the period May-August, with the focus in June or July.

Woody Plants Affected by Ungulates in Winter Period, Impacts and Bark Renewal

“…Bark stripping damage by red deer in the fenced rearing centre 'Lomnička Reka' (Mt. Veliki Jastrebac, central Serbia) was the aim of research by Gačić et al (2012). The data were collected by a detailed survey of the entire rearing centre over spring and autumn 2008, 2009 and 2010.…”

“…34, No. 3, p. 235-248, 2015DOI:10.1515/eko-2015-0023 et al, 2000, Czech Republic (Čermák et al, 2004;Malík, Karnet, 2007), Austria (Vospernik, 2006), Germany (Kiffner et al, 2008) Slovenia (Jerina et al, 2008), Slovakia (Rajský et al, 2008), France (Saint-Andrieux et al, 2009) and Serbia (Gačić et al, 2012). Damage of forest growth by hoofed animals is related to foraging ecology and food intake.…”