Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The population of red deer (Cervus elaphus) is increasing in Kronoberg and could cause serious damage to growing spruce forests between the ages 15-40 years.
A survey was sent to forest owners, hunters, and people who fall into both categories. The survey contained different sections where the most important questions were associated with damages to forests as well as questions regarding general knowledge about red deer.
Forest owners and hunters differed in their opinions about the red deer. Many of the forest owners are also hunters which sometimes results in conflicting opinions. The results show that the attitude towards red deer is slightly negative and the knowledge of the species is generally low. Both hunters and forest owners are worried about the increased risk for damages to spruce forests. Most, but not all, of the respondents expressed concerns about further expansion of red deer populations