Habitat characteristics of European bison (Bison bonasus) in Ukraine

An assessment of the habitat preferences of European bison with airborne laser scanning data in forest ecosystem

“…The proportion of broadleaved trees was the most important habitat feature that explained the presence of European bison in forest habitats, during both the vegetation and the winter periods. It can be assumed that this result reflects the most frequently reported preference of European bison for broadleaved forest habitats, as has been demonstrated in previous studies (e.g., 9 , 14 , 53 , 54 ). However, attention should be paid not only to the indicated preference of the European bison for old stands with a multistorey structure 13 , 24 , 48 , 54 , but also to forest habitats with old spruce in the upper layer with a loose canopy and deciduous trees in lower layers (e.g., 8 ).…”

“…It can be assumed that this result reflects the most frequently reported preference of European bison for broadleaved forest habitats, as has been demonstrated in previous studies (e.g., 9 , 14 , 53 , 54 ). However, attention should be paid not only to the indicated preference of the European bison for old stands with a multistorey structure 13 , 24 , 48 , 54 , but also to forest habitats with old spruce in the upper layer with a loose canopy and deciduous trees in lower layers (e.g., 8 ). Such stands are classified as mixed forest and are often present in Białowieża Forest 55 .…”

“…In contrast, Ground_to_all was the proxy for forest habitat features that played a much larger role in the models. This result is even more surprising because in previous studies an open canopy was often, but not always, indicated as a characteristic of stands preferred by European bison (e.g., 16 , 26 , 54 ). It should be remembered that these two characteristics (canopy cover and Ground_to_all) do not mean the same thing.…”

“…What is more, it is worth considering looking for other ALS-based indicators which could better characterize the habitat preferences of European bison. Many other habitat features have been demonstrated that may explain the use of certain habitats by European bison 16 , 26 , 67 , and the effects of these features vary locally 14 , 54 . In addition, it is possible that a combination of habitat and ALS data would provide a better understanding of how European bison use forest habitats.…”