Characteristics of the moose population in central-eastern Poland

Abstract

The study aimed to analyse the spatial structure of moose (Alces alces) in central-eastern Poland, taking into account sex structure and preferences regarding the composition of social groups. The density of animals in forest and swamp areas was analysed. Moose were shown to strongly prefer forest areas. Females moving with fawns and single females and males were most often observed. Statistical analysis confirmed that the biotope preference of this species does not depend on the type of social group in which the animals migrate. In the territory of the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Lublin, the moose density per 1000 ha of forest and swamp averaged 5.9 individuals. Reproductive success and the number of young born were typical of the species. In 73% of cases, they moved in three dominant types of social groups, i.e. a hind with fawns, solitary stags and solitary hinds. The animals were found mainly in forest areas (65.1%). It should be remembered that in European forests it is very rarely possible to maintain Cervidae populations at a level that guarantees the absence of foraging effects on forest regeneration and the maintenance of its sustainability. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the species’ population size is recommended.

Keywords

• Alces alces
• population size
• overdensity
• damages
• behaviour