The impact of ungulate game on natural regeneration in a fir-beech national nature reserve, Western Carpathians

Abstract

The objective of this work was to assess the impact of ungulates on the natural regeneration of woods in a model area within the National Nature Reserve (NNR) of Mláčik – by comparing marked specimens within a pair of research areas. Damage to the naturally regenerating woods was analyzed, the impact of damage to height growth, the impact of game species on the development of the number of trees and their species represented within the growth. The measurements began in the autumn 2007, then they were repeated twice a year (spring, when damage caused by ungulates during the winter was surveyed, and in the autumn – for the damage caused during the summer). The saplings found in the NNR Mláčik are: ash, beech, sycamore, elm, fir, and Wild Service Tree. Scattered are aspen, birch and willow. Ash, fir, maple and elm suffer the most damage due to gnawing. As the regeneration of fir saplings occurs only sporadically, this species may be considered the most endangered tree within the reservation. After two years of protection, significant differences were found in the number of fir trees between the open areas in comparison to the enclosed areas. From the degree of damage and significantly reduced numbers one, can ascertain its high attractiveness to the game. Overall, beech is the least damaged species by game, with only a marginal difference recorded between the plots (fenced and unfenced).