Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This degree project investigates how elk, roe deer, red deer and fallow deer can affect an estate in Östergötland. The inventories performed within this project, were completed on an estate in Selesjö, northern Östergötland. This property is used to demonstrate wildlife management.
The methods used in this study were originally developed for areas larger than individual properties. Three inventories were completed in the study. These included the recording of the number of droppings and the amount of eaten pasturage, as well as the level of damage on young trees. The inventory of droppings was used to approximate the size of the wildlife population and its recent development. The level of damage on young trees is a measure used by foresters to quantify the harmful impact of wildlife on forests intended for wood production.
Low levels of droppings were found for all wild species investigated. The estimated population density for the different species varied from one to five animals per 1000 ha. These numbers were lower than expected. The amount of eaten pasturage was considered normal compared to other studies. The level of damage on trees in young forests was slightly higher than normal for pine and birch. Damages on species such as rowan, aspen, sallow and oak were similar in magnitude compared to other investigated areas.