Naslov
The Influence of Snow Cover Changes on Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) Migrations in the Western Part of Gorski Kotar Region in Croatia

Autori
Malnar, Josip ; Grubešić, Marijan ; Ugarković, Damir

Izvornik
South-east European forestry (1847-6481) 6 (2015), 1; 65-75

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

Ključne riječi
snow cover; red deer (Cervus elaphus); migration; Gorski Kotar

Sažetak
Animal migrations are a direct result of reproduction, behaviour characteristics, predators, population density, disturbance, loss of habitat, climatic, vegetational and nutritional factors. The availability and accessibility of natural food in winter months is dependent on snow cover. The main objective of this study was to determine the migrational activities of red deer and to examine the dependency between migrations and climatic factors. The study was carried out in the northwest Dinarid mountains, which represents a large integral forest complex, distinctive due to its significant vertical drops, diverse relief characteristics and habitat conditions. Data on red deer migrations was collected over a 12 year period from hunting records, gamekeeper logs and records from game counting and monitoring. The results of the macroclimatic analysis show a statistically significant difference between the monitored weather stations in the study area. The Klana site stood out as the most appropriate red deer winter habitat, based on climatic conditions. Climatic conditions play a key role in seasonal red deer migrations or non-migrations. The Crni Lug site was assessed to be the least favourable due to macroclimatic conditions (snow depth).

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Šumarstvo

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