Naslov
Microhabitat characteristics of brown bear den areas

Autori
Ugarković, Damir ; Fabijanić, Nera ; Tomljanović, Kristijan ; Krmpotić, Davor ; Kelava Ugarković, Nikolina

Izvornik
BALTIC FORESTRY (1392-1355) 26 (2020), 2; 1-9

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Cave dens, microhabitat, forest structure, North Dinarides, Velebit Nature Park

Sažetak
The aim of this study was to determine the microhabitat, relief and forest structure characteristics of brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) cave dens and other types of dens in the North Dinarides (Velebit Nature Park) in Croatia. In total, 63 dens were identified, consisting of 89% cave dens and 11% other den types (nest dens 6%, stump dens 3%, trunk dens 2%). In the 20-meter radius around each den, microhabitat, relief and structural characteristics were recorded, including altitude, slope, exposition, rockiness, forest developmental stage, canopy density, tree height, forest site index, tree basal area, and tree species composition. Based on altitude, the climatic category was determined according to the Köppen climate classification. The majority of cave dens (62%) were in the temperate climate category. Most cave dens were at altitudes between 900 and 1100 m, with a southern exposition and slope class between 30 to 60%, situated in partial canopy density of the third forest site index with tree heights between 16 and 20 m and without forest degradation. Slopes and tree heights were lower (p < 0.019) in cave den areas in comparison to other den types.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Šumarstvo

POVEZANOST RADA