Winter food and cover refuges of large ungulates in lowland forests of south-western Poland

Impact of environmental diversity of hunting complexes in the Lublin region on ontogenetic quality indicators in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

“…Does originating from areas with large forest cover and predominance of coniferous habitats (Sandomierska Primeval Forest and Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland) were characterised by the highest KFI values. The does were harvested in an autumn-winter period and, as indicated by other authors (Bobek et al 2016 ; Janiszewski and Szczepański 2001 ), coniferous habitats are the main refuges for Cervidae during wintertime, as they provide better feed and preserve conditions than mixed and deciduous forests. Vaccinium plants collected in these habitats are an important element in the winter diet for roe deer (Cederlund et al 1980 ; Mysterud and Østbye 1995 ).…”

Identification of Differences in Hunting Management in Poland and Selected European Countries in the Context of Sustainable Development

“…This approach is designed to control the number of wild animals in the immediate vicinity of the refuge. This approach also points to the need to create protected areas throughout the country, not only selected enclaves but also to maintain biodiversity and support endangered species [55].…”

“…The creation of habitats must be deliberate and result from rational premises for maintaining the welfare of the game. In areas designated as refuges, the occurrence of natural hiding places of a given species of game should be considered, so that the sense of safety of wild game and ensuring its freedom and welfare result not only from eliminating the possibility of hunting and the presence of people [55].…”

Comparative analysis of winter diets and habitat use by the sympatric blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) and Alashan red deer (Cervus alashanicus) in the Helan Mountains, China

“…In order to obtain a better understanding of their niche separation, we studied the diets and habitat use comparation of the coexistent blue sheep and Alashan red deer in winter, which could provide a solid evidence for the niche differentiation of the sympatric ungulate species. For ungulates on mountains, the severe conditions in the winter could have a pronounced effect on food and habitat use: low temperatures could increase the energy expenditure of the animals (Mason 1998, Bobek et al 2016, and the reduced quality and biomass of forage may intensify the food competition between the two sympatric species (Shi et al 2016), especially in the Helan mountains, where there is rainless and sparse vegetation. Studying the difference in diet and habitat use in winter may provide profound insight into the interspecific relationship between the two herbivores (Suryawanshi et al 2010, Obidzinski et al 2013.…”