Positive Beispiele der Wald-Wild-Situation bei der Weisstannenverjüngung

Positive examples of forest-ungulate situations focusing on silver fir regeneration Roe deer, chamois and red deer browse on the apical shoots of young trees, and particularly selected are those of the European silver fir. Because of this selective feeding of ungulates, the silver fir is unable to sustain its population density relative to other tree species. However, due to locally functioning forest-ungulate situations, there have been areas of improved silver fir regeneration during the last few years. In this study, twenty different sites exhibiting such improvement have been analysed. Eighteen sites were situated in thirteen different Swiss cantons, as well as one each in Germany and Austria. With the aid of interviews with experts such as local foresters, gamekeepers, hunters and representatives of the cantonal departments of hunting and forestry, the importance of sixty-six potential influencing factors on a locally improved forest-ungulate system has been investigated. Frequency analysis has shown that the density of roe deer, the availability of light and the presence of lynx are the most important of these factors. But also the density of chamois, the increased focus on a natural regeneration and the form of management have been frequently mentioned as central factors. Changes in communication between the hunting and forestry sides have been considered most often as central or important. Positive examples could be examined in all regions of Switzerland – in cantons with patent hunting and hunting districts as well as in areas with different densities and compositions of wild ungulates. It does not seem that a single influencing factor, but rather a combination of different factors was decisive for improved silver fir regeneration.

Download Full-text

Effects of browsing on the condition and development of regeneration of trees in the region of Rýchory (KRNAP)

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis ◽

10.11118/actaun200654010007 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 54 (1) ◽

pp. 7-14

Author(s):

Petr Čermák ◽

Pavel Grundmann

Keyword(s):

Natural Regeneration ◽

National Park ◽

Red Deer ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Silver Fir ◽

Artificial Regeneration ◽

Deer Browsing ◽

Browsing Damage ◽

Sycamore Maple ◽

Heavy Damage

In the region of Rýchory (KRNAP – the Krkonoše National Park), effects of roe deer and red deer browsing on the condition and development and natural and artificial regeneration of stands was studied in 2003–2004. Winter and summer browsing were observed in 14 couples of plots (always one with mechanical protection, the second without the protection) and in one control couple in a wintering preserve for red deer. In both years, winter browsing predominated in the region and thus, it is possible to suppose that roe deer was the main browser. As for natural regeneration, silver fir (26% in winter 2003), rowan (36% in winter 2003) and sycamore maple (26% in winter 2004) were the most damaged species. In artificial regeneration, silver fir damage predominated (68% in winter 2003). In the wintering game preserve with the high winter concentration of red deer, damage to all trees exceeded 40% and heavy damage showed also species slightly damaged out of the preserve such as spruce (63%) and beech (75%). Artificial regeneration was damaged more markedly than natural regeneration in all terms of monitoring. The percentage of browsing damage increased with the distance of the additional feeding device.

Download Full-text

Einfluss wildlebender Huftiere auf die Waldverjüngung: ein Überblick für die Schweiz

Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur Forstwesen ◽

10.3188/szf.2015.0420 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 166 (6) ◽

pp. 420-431 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Andrea D. Kupferschmid ◽

Caroline Heiri ◽

Markus Huber ◽

Michiel Fehr ◽

Maurus Frei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Expert Opinion ◽

Forest Regeneration ◽

Red Deer ◽

Roe Deer ◽

National Forest Inventory ◽

Major Influence ◽

Silver Fir ◽

Wild Ungulates ◽

Subalpine Belt ◽

The Impact

Influence of wild ungulates on forest regeneration: overview for Switzerland Terminal shoots of tree saplings are part of the diet of chamois, roe and red deer, which in turn can affect forest regeneration. We investigated the current extent of browsing influence on the Swiss forest and the existence of regional differences. Our overview includes all available, regionally assessed data on the influence of roe deer, chamois and red deer in Switzerland, i.e. data of the fourth Swiss National Forest Inventory (NFI 2009/13) and data from the cantons derived from 1) representative sample plot inventories, 2) surveys in selected forest areas and 3) assessments by expert opinion. In the time period between approx. 2009 and 2014 no larger region of Switzerland stood out with respect to browsing influence. On the level of the ungulates home range or forest districts we found large differences in the browsing impact, but on at least two-thirds of the assessed forest area of Switzerland browsing had no major influence on single tree species nor on forest regeneration in general (browsing level 1). In the colline vegetation belt frequent browsing has the most adverse influence on oak, in the montane belt on silver fir and in the lower subalpine belt on maple and rowan. Investigations focusing on a better understanding of the relationship between the objectively measurable browsing intensity and regeneration density as well as data on seedlings <10 cm would allow an even better assessment of the browsing influence on the forest. With Swiss-wide standardized assessments by expert opinion within uniformly defined ungulate home ranges, the comparability of data on the impact of wild ungulates on the Swiss forest could be further improved.

Download Full-text

Identifying maintenance hosts and risk factors for infection with Dichelobacter nodosus in free-ranging wild ruminants in Switzerland: a prevalence study

10.1101/691600 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Gaia Moore-Jones ◽

Flurin Ardüser ◽

Salome Dürr ◽

Stefanie Gobeli Brawand ◽

Adrian Steiner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervus Elaphus ◽

Red Deer ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Virulent Strain ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Control Program ◽

Wild Ungulates ◽

Wild Ruminants ◽

Alpine Ibex ◽

Dichelobacter Nodosus

AbstractFootrot is a worldwide economically important, painful, contagious bacterial hoof disease of domestic and wild ungulates caused by Dichelobacter nodosus (D. nodosus). Benign and virulent strains have been identified in sheep presenting mild and severe lesions, respectively. However, in Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) both strains have been associated with severe, fatal lesions. In Switzerland a nationwide footrot control program for sheep focusing on the virulent strain shall soon be implemented. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the nationwide prevalence of both strains of D. nodosus in four wild indigenous ruminant species and to identify potential susceptible maintenance hosts that could be a reinfection source for sheep. During two years (2017-2018), interdigital swabs of 1,821 wild indigenous ruminants species (Alpine ibex; Alpine chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra; roe deer, Capreolus capreolus; red deer, Cervus elaphus) were analysed by Real-Time PCR. Furthermore, observed interspecies interactions were documented for each sample. Overall, we report a low prevalence of D. nodosus in all four indigenous wild ruminants, for both the benign (1.97%, N = 36, of which 31 red deer) and virulent (0.05%, N = 1) strain of D. nodosus. Footrot lesions were documented in one ibex with the virulent strain, and in one ibex with the benign strain. Interactions with domestic livestock occurred mainly with cattle and sheep. In conclusion, the data suggest that domestic ungulates represent a significant source of infection for wild ungulates, while wild ruminants are likely irrelevant for the maintenance and spread of D. nodosus. Furthermore, we add evidence that both D. nodosus strains can be associated with severe disease in Alpine ibex. These data are crucial for the upcoming nationwide control program and reveal that wild ruminants should not be considered as a threat to footrot control in sheep in this context.

Download Full-text

Zu wenig Waldverjüngung? Mit mehr Waldbewirtschaftung und Jagd zum Erfolg (Essay)

Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur Forstwesen ◽

10.3188/szf.2017.0200 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 168 (4) ◽

pp. 200-204

Author(s):

Maurus Frei

Keyword(s):

Forest Regeneration ◽

Red Deer ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Silver Fir ◽

Mountain Forests ◽

Protection Measures ◽

Traditional Approaches

Not enough forest regeneration? Intensified silviculture and hunting bring success (essay) The influence of red deer, roe deer and chamois on forest regeneration is significant in Swiss forests, especially in mountain forests. Oak, silver fir and sycamore rarely regenerate without protection measures. Red deer populations have practically doubled over the last 20 years, and roe deer are found in every forest. Nevertheless, it is possible to have, even in Switzerland, a dense, site-appropriate forest regeneration. The conditions for this are close-to-nature silviculture over large areas, and hunting which is closely adapted to the condition of the forest. This approach is successful if it is accompanied by serious cooperation between forest services and hunters – a cooperation which is not seen as an end in itself but as a means of reaching agreed objectives. Success will not be achieved with compromises only and by following traditional approaches.

Download Full-text

Mammalian Orthoreovirus (MRV) Is Widespread in Wild Ungulates of Northern Italy

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13020238 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 238

Author(s):

Sara Arnaboldi ◽

Francesco Righi ◽

Virginia Filipello ◽

Tiziana Trogu ◽

Davide Lelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Red Deer ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Northern Italy ◽

Wild Ungulates ◽

Wild Boars ◽

Enteric Infections ◽

Mammalian Orthoreovirus ◽

Type 3 ◽

Insight Into

Mammalian orthoreoviruses (MRVs) are emerging infectious agents that may affect wild animals. MRVs are usually associated with asymptomatic or mild respiratory and enteric infections. However, severe clinical manifestations have been occasionally reported in human and animal hosts. An insight into their circulation is essential to minimize the risk of diffusion to farmed animals and possibly to humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of likely zoonotic MRVs in wild ungulates. Liver samples were collected from wild boar, red deer, roe deer, and chamois. Samples originated from two areas (Sondrio and Parma provinces) in Northern Italy with different environmental characteristics. MRV detection was carried out by PCR; confirmation by sequencing and typing for MRV type 3, which has been frequently associated with disease in pigs, were carried out for positive samples. MRV prevalence was as high as 45.3% in wild boars and 40.6% in red deer in the Sondrio area, with lower prevalence in the Parma area (15.4% in wild boars). Our findings shed light on MRV occurrence and distribution in some wild species and posed the issue of their possible role as reservoir.

Download Full-text

Huftierbestände und Verbissintensitäten nach der Luchswiederansiedlung im Kanton St. Gallen

Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur Forstwesen ◽

10.3188/szf.2016.0013 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 167 (1) ◽

pp. 13-20 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jasmin Schnyder ◽

Rolf Ehrbar ◽

Friedrich Reimoser ◽

Klaus Robin

Keyword(s):

Roe Deer ◽

Influencing Factor ◽

Abies Alba ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Silver Fir ◽

Lynx Lynx ◽

Eurasian Lynx ◽

North East ◽

Population Sizes ◽

Hunting Statistics

Ungulate populations and browsing intensities following the reintroduction of lynx in the canton of St. Gallen In the context of the project “Lynx resettlement north-east Switzerland” (LUNO), the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx L.) was reintroduced in the canton of St. Gallen from 2001. As a consequence of reduced roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) and Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra L.) population sizes, one goal was the reduction of browsing intensities in young forest stands. This study investigates interactions between the levels of this trophic cascade by means of data on lynx distribution, roe deer and chamois populations (hunting statistics and population estimations) as well as browsing intensities. The results have shown significantly reduced roe deer and chamois population sizes in the years after lynx reintroduction. The effect of lynx could have worked cumulatively with factors like hunting, weather conditions and diseases (chamois). Within the chamois population, the lynx probably affected primarily the forest chamois, although before and after the lynx presence other causal reasons have been responsible for population decreases. Furthermore, there was noted a significantly positive relationship between hunting statistics (as an indicator of local ungulate population sizes) and browsing intensities, although the size of local ungulate populations was one influencing factor among many more. The browsing intensity of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) was significantly reduced after lynx reintroduction in the core area of lynx distribution. All results have shown significant correlations and suggest an indirect influence of lynx on browsing intensities of silver fir. However, causal connections should be analysed in further studies.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Moose (Alces alces), Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), and Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) from Norway

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13020224 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 224

Author(s):

Carlos Sacristán ◽

Knut Madslien ◽

Irene Sacristán ◽

Siv Klevar ◽

Carlos G. das Neves

Keyword(s):

Cervus Elaphus ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Rangifer Tarandus ◽

Red Deer ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Capreolus Capreolus ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Wild Ungulates ◽

Ovibos Moschatus ◽

Wild Reindeer

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a major cause of viral hepatitis worldwide, is considered an emerging foodborne zoonosis in Europe. Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) and wild boars (S. scrofa) are recognized as important HEV reservoirs. Additionally, HEV infection and exposure have been described in cervids. In Norway, HEV has been identified in pigs and humans; however, little is known regarding its presence in wild ungulates in the country. We used a species-independent double-antigen sandwich ELISA to detect antibodies against HEV in the sera of 715 wild ungulates from Norway, including 164 moose (Alces alces), 186 wild Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), 177 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 86 European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and 102 muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus). The overall seroprevalence was 12.3% (88/715). Wild reindeer had the highest seropositivity (23.1%, 43/186), followed by moose (19.5%, 32/164), muskoxen (5.9%, 6/102), and red deer (4%, 7/177). All roe deer were negative. According to our results, HEV is circulating in wild ungulates in Norway. The high seroprevalence observed in wild reindeer and moose indicates that these species may be potential reservoirs of HEV. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of HEV exposure in reindeer from Europe and in muskoxen worldwide.

Download Full-text

Growth of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) on originally agricultural land in the region of the White Carpathians

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis ◽

10.11118/actaun201260010111 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 60 (1) ◽

pp. 111-116

Author(s):

Jaroslav Simon ◽

Zdeněk Adamec

Keyword(s):

Natural Regeneration ◽

Red Deer ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Abies Alba ◽

Beech Forest ◽

Silver Fir ◽

Reference Period ◽

Height Increment ◽

Stand Height ◽

White Carpathians

At the Ploščiny-Triangl locality belonging to the northernmost part of the CHKO Bílé Karpaty (Protected Landscape Area White Carpathians), altitude 739 m, typological unit – Nutrient Rich Fir-Beech Forest, comparative analysis was carried out of selected biometrical quantities of the time series of stands originated on former agricultural land and stands originated by the alternation of forest generations. On the basis of examinations it is possible to formulate following conclusions: - the height increment culmination occurs at stands originated on former agricultural land earlier, viz. at an age of about 20 years;- on the other hand, the culmination of volume increment related to a mean stem occurs later, at current increment at an age of 80 years, at a mean increment at an age of 140 years;- the growth curve of a mean stand height of both variants is analogical up to an age of about 20–25 years, further values of stands established on former agricultural land are lower approaching an asymptote of 30 m;- stands of both variants do not show symptoms of rot or other damage to the reference period of about 150 years.As for the current condition of natural regeneration of silver fir and succession distribution on unused agricultural land it is possible to state that it is considerably reduced on the basis of intensive pressure of particularly red deer.

Download Full-text

Long-term population dynamics of the red deer and European roe deer at the protected and not-protected areas in Mountain Crimea

Ukrainian Journal of Ecology ◽

10.15421/2017_88 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 65-72

Author(s):

V. N. Shmagol' ◽

V. L. Yarysh ◽

S. P. Ivanov ◽

V. I. Maltsev

Keyword(s):

Population Dynamics ◽

Protected Areas ◽

Red Deer ◽

Nature Reserve ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Precipitation Amount ◽

Annual Precipitation ◽

Population Number ◽

The Impact

The long-term population dynamics of the red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) at the mountain and forest zone of Crimea during 1980-2017 is presented. Fluctuations in numbers of both species are cyclical and partly synchronous. Period of oscillations in the population of red deer is about 25 years, the average duration of the oscillation period of number of roe deer is 12.3 years. During the fluctuations in the number the increasing and fall in population number of the red deer had been as 26-47 %, and roe deer – as 22-34 %. Basing on the dada obtained we have assumed that together with large-scale cycles of fluctuations in population number of both red deer and roe deer the short cycles of fluctuations in the number of these species with period from 3.5 to 7.5 years take place. Significant differences of the parameters of cyclical fluctuations in the number of roe deer at some sites of the Mountainous Crimea: breaches of synchronicity, as well as significant differences in the duration of cycles are revealed. The greatest deviations from the average values of parameters of long-term dynamics of the number of roe deer in Crimea are noted for groups of this species at two protected areas. At the Crimean Nature Reserve the cycle time of fluctuations of the numbers of roe deer was 18 years. At the Karadag Nature Reserve since 1976 we can see an exponential growth in number of roe deer that is continued up to the present time. By 2016 the number of roe deer reached 750 individuals at a density of 437 animals per 1 thousand ha. Peculiarity of dynamics of number of roe deer at some sites proves the existence in the mountain forest of Crimea several relatively isolated groups of deer. We assumed that "island" location of the Crimean populations of red deer and European roe deer, their relatively little number and influence of permanent extreme factors of both natural and anthropogenic origination have contributed to a mechanism of survival of these populations. The elements of such a mechanism include the following features of long-term dynamics of the population: the reduction in the period of cyclic population fluctuations, while maintaining their amplitude and the appearance of additional small cycles, providing more flexible response of the population to the impact of both negative and positive environmental factors. From the totality of the weather conditions for the Crimean population of roe deer the recurring periods of increases and downs in the annual precipitation amount may have relevance. There was a trend of increase in the roe deer population during periods of increasing annual precipitation.

Download Full-text

One Health Approach: An Overview of Q Fever in Livestock, Wildlife and Humans in Asturias (Northwestern Spain)

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11051395 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1395

Author(s):

Alberto Espí ◽

Ana del Cerro ◽

Álvaro Oleaga ◽

Mercedes Rodríguez-Pérez ◽

Ceferino M. López ◽

...

Keyword(s):

One Health ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Q Fever ◽

Close Contact ◽

Acute Infection ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Wild Ungulates ◽

Domestic Ruminants ◽

Iberian Red Deer ◽

Northwestern Spain

This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in domestic ruminants, wild ungulates, as well as the current situation of Q fever in humans in a small region in northwestern Spain where a close contact at the wildlife–livestock–human interface exists, and information on C. burnetii infection is scarce. Seroprevalence of C. burnetii was 8.4% in sheep, 18.4% in cattle, and 24.4% in goats. Real-time PCR analysis of environmental samples collected in 25 livestock farms detected Coxiella DNA in dust and/or aerosols collected in 20 of them. Analysis of sera from 327 wild ungulates revealed lower seroprevalence than that found in domestic ruminants, with 8.4% of Iberian red deer, 7.3% chamois, 6.9% fallow deer, 5.5% European wild boar and 3.5% of roe deer harboring antibodies to C. burnetii. Exposure to the pathogen in humans was determined by IFAT analysis of 1312 blood samples collected from patients admitted at healthcare centers with Q fever compatible symptoms, such as fever and/or pneumonia. Results showed that 15.9% of the patients had IFAT titers ≥ 1/128 suggestive of probable acute infection. This study is an example of a One Health approach with medical and veterinary institutions involved in investigating zoonotic diseases.

Download Full-text