Moose damage to forest regeneration in Bukta forest

Abstract

Overall, moose is not very abundant game species in Lithuania, but in their wintering concentration areas moose population increases highly during the winter season. One of moose population wintering area is Bukta forest, where moose population in winter is overstepping recommended density. This phenomenon causes a lot of damage to forest regeneration. Self natural regeneration in Bukta forest cannot develop without foresters interruption, because of too intensive moose damage. The aim of work was to evaluate moose damage dynamics to forest regeneration by stands and by separate tree species. The results of observation showed that forest regeneration in Bukta was damaged intensively. Mostly damaged tree species was aspen (Populus tremula) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Those are the most economically important tree species in Bukta forest. For suitable forest regeneration development, moose population in Bukta forest must be regulated by game.