Verification of food supply for red deer under conditions of the air- polluted area of mountain forest ecosystems in the Ore Mountains (Forest District Klášterec nad Ohří)

• Main Authors: Zdeněk Vala, Martin Ernst, Tomáš Lošák
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mendel University Press 2012-01-01
• Series: Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis
• Subjects: red deer; carrying capacity; food
• Online Access: https://acta.mendelu.cz/60/5/0239/

On the basis of typological classification, representative sample plots 1×1 m were established in forest stands, on meadows and pastures in hunting districts Jelení hora and Černý potok in the area of the Ore Mountains (Forest District Klášterec nad Ohří) in the growing season. The aim of the plots was to determine the existing average area production (kg.m−2) of biomass utilizable by game. The biomass was differentiated to herb, grass and woody components. Analyses proved that the total daily need of food, energy and mineral substances of red deer in both hunting grounds was fully covered by the natural food offer of herb, grass and woody biomass in the growing season even in case of increased requirements, e.g. in the period of growth, lactation or the development of antlers.