Bark stripping damage by red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in the fenced rearing centre “Lomnička Reka“

Abstract

Bark stripping damage is a serious problem in some forest hunting grounds in Serbia. This study aimed at assessing the incidence and intensity of bark stripping by red deer in the fenced rearing centre “Lomnička Reka“ (Mt. Veliki Jastrebac, central Serbia). The data were collected by detailed surveying of the entire rearing centre over spring and autumn 2008, 2009 and 2010. Our results show that, in spring and summer, it is exclusively broadleaf tree species that are bark stripped by red deer, mainly beech (86.3% or 536 trees) and hornbeam (10.1% or 63 trees). The incidence and intensity of bark stripping were the highest in the diameter class of 20-39.9 cm. Damaged trees were identified in all parts of the rearing centre, at all aspects and at different slopes. Beech bark was stripped over the period May-August, with the focus in June or July.

Keywords

• red deer
• beech
• bark stripping
• reintroduction
• Serbia