Game damage to forest trees

Abstract

Humans should behave in such a way that they will not endanger the existence of other living entities. After all, human activities affected the tree species composition and wildlife living conditions. Humans are now responsible for the preservation of delicate equilibrium in nature. Two localities were chosen for the research of game damage caused to standing trees – shooting areas Lužánky and Červený jelen, both situated in the vicinity of Jindřichův Hradec in South Bohemia. Seasonal character of tree-damage origin as well as its relation to the chemical content of spruce (<I>Picea abies</I> [L.] Karst.) and pine (<I>Pinus sylvestri</I>s [L.]) bark were investigated. This area is typical of high game stock; trees are damaged by browsing and bark stripping. Particular advice for game management with respect to minimizing tree damage is presented. The data set of chemical bark analyses was statistically evaluated by <I>t</I>- and <I>F</I>-test and significant differences in element contents were detected between damaged and undamaged pine bark for N-substances (<I>P</I> = 0.003309), Ca (<I>P</I> = 0.001460), P (<I>P</I> = 0.004343), Mg (<I>P</I> = 0.001419) and K (<I>P</I> = 0.016290). Humans have influenced many changes in the distribution of different animal and plant species. Among others they are responsible for the altered species composition. Typically the extinction of large predators produces changes in food chains. In forest stands influenced by human activities the reasonable game management and the regulation of game stock seems to be one of the main tools in forest protection.