Stand-level sampling designs for bark stripping caused by red deer (Cervus elaphus L.): simulation studies based on nine fully censused stands

• DOI: 10.1007/s10342-024-01670-4
• Publication Date: 2024-03-25T08:01:51Z
• Authors: Christoph Hahn; Sonja Vospernik
• Keywords: Cervus elaphus

Abstract Precise assessment of bark stripping damage is high economic importance, since makes wood unusable for saw timber and it important compensation payments game damage. Bark clustered decreases with increasing tree diameter, so that common forest inventories, optimized assessing production variables such as standing volume, do not provide adequately precise estimates In this study we analysed different sampling designs (random sampling, systematic sampling), selection methods (fixed radius plot, angle count sampling) number plots plot sizes (plot radius: 2–20 m; basal area factor: 1–6m 2 /ha) assessment. The analysis based on simulation studies in 9 fully censused stands (9026 trees). Simulations were done actually assessed randomly distributed each scenario was repeated 100 times random points or grid locations. Systematic considerably more than both scenarios. Sampling intensities to attain a standard error 10% ranged between 12 18% dependent the size. For given intensity, precision increased decreasing size factor. This implies, however, large be measured, which expensive, when travel costs are high. Differences by fixed minor. damage, recommend 4–6 m measurement approximately 230 150 plots, respectively.