Environmental factors shaping ungulate abundances in Poland

• DOI: 10.1007/s13364-013-0153-x
• Publication Date: 2013-06-28T11:53:07Z
• Authors: Tomasz Borowik; Thomas Cornulier; Bogumiła Jędrzeje...
• Keywords: Capreolus; Ungulate; Wild boar; Cervus

Population densities of large herbivores are determined by the diverse effects density-dependent and independent environmental factors. In this study, we used official 1998-2003 inventory data on ungulate numbers from 462 forest districts 23 national parks across Poland to determine roles various factors in shaping country-wide spatial patterns abundances. Spatially explicit generalized additive mixed models showed that different sets variables explained 39 50 % variation red deer Cervus elaphus, wild boar Sus scrofa, roe Capreolus capreolus For all studied species, low cover mean January temperature were most important limiting their numbers. Woodland above 40-50 held highest for these species. Wild more numerous deciduous or woodlands within a matrix arable land. Furthermore, found significant positive marshes water bodies A juxtaposition obtained results with ongoing changes (global warming, increase cover) may indicate future growth distributions