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The aim of this study is assessment of game management in a controlled hunting zone in the vicinity of Uniejów (Hunting District No. 51), as well as assessment of changes in the number of game animals populations. The analysis also comprises changes in agriculture and in the biotope. Data on population sizes were obtained from annual hunting plans prepared by the Hunting Club No. 19 "Diana" in Łódź. The study covers the period 1990-2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity loss was a central argument for redefining sustainable forest management in the 1990s, but threatened species remain poorly addressed in forestry governance. Management history of the Capercaillie ( Tetrao urogallus) population in the Baltic States reveals a high potential of socially valued threatened species for developing the missing forestry-conservation interfaces. We review the history of the Baltic Capercaillie population since the 19th century, showing how its status transformed, both ecologically and socially, from a famous hunting target to the most widely protected forest species in the region. Compilation of recent national survey data confirms that at least 3450 lekking males currently survive in 961 leks; they are distributed between six large and about twenty small populations. During the 20th century, lek sizes decreased and local extirpations spread from South-Baltic mosaic lands to northern forests. As a social response, innovative management initiatives have repeatedly enabled periods of population stability and local recoveries. The most recent developments in Capercaillie conservation combine elements from the historically separated nature conservation, forestry and game-management approaches. The consistency of such social responses despite political upheavals suggests that iconic species can culturally stabilize long-term sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year during the past 45 years (1967–2011), hunting organizations have been sending eye lenses (lens cristallina) to the Laboratory for hunting of the hunting association of Vojvodina for testing and analysis of the percentage of young hares in a micro population to establish the real growth rate. Th ese two parameters combined with the number of hares in spring and cull rate from last year were suffi cient to provide hunting organizations with precise information about hunting dynamics and rate of hunting in current hunting season. At the beginning, (in 1967), only 20% of hunting organizations submitted the samples, but ten years aft er the first sample had been collected, the percentage has gradually increased to 30% in 1977 Since then, the percentage of hunting organizations that were sending samples increased to 45% in 1987, 60% in 1997, and 70 % in 2007 with a maximum of 77% percentage in 2008. Th roughout the research period of 45 years, the total number of examined and processed eye lenses was 363,380. Out of 8,727 samples approximately 8,075 eye lenses were processed yearly. A small number of hunting organizations which didn’t send any samples haven’t been hunting brown hare in their hunting grounds during these years. During this research, several conclusions were made: the percentage of young hares in populations varies from 38% in 2010 to 70.3% in 1994. Th e average percentage for period of 45 years was 58.4% of young hares in a population. According to the research, the coeffi cient of real growth was 1.58 young hare per female hare. The minimum was 1.13 in 2010, and the maximum was 2.33 in 1994. Th ese analyses provided the actual information about stability and health of hare populations and enable a sustainable longterm planning of these game species.

We investigated the patterns of post–breeding movements of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix) in the Iberian peninsula with the aim of describing its migratory phenology and some physiological features of individuals. This information is needed to adjust hunting seasons in an optimal way. We worked with two data–sets: a) captures made in a non–breeding site (Garraf) from August to October in 2009 and 2010; b) post–breeding recoveries of individuals ringed in Europe and recaptured in Spain between 1933 and 2005. The results showed that post–breeding movements in Garraf occur in two waves: a first wave that occurs around 10 VIII and is mainly composed of non–sexually active yearlings that do not correspond physiologically to migrants, and a second much more intense wave, which occurs around 17 IX and is mainly composed of non–sexually active migrant yearlings. The hunting season in Spain takes place mainly during the first wave, preserving the passage of migrant individuals from Spain and other European countries. Information on the post–breeding movements in other Spanish regions and other European countries where the common quail is a popular game species would improve timing between the hunting season and migration by providing more precise recommendations for hunting management.

This article analyses data on the reported and captured populations of red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and mouflon (Ovis musimon) in the Czech Republic during the years 2002–2006. Breeding and hunting plans collected by the State Hunting Authority have been summarized. The analyzed game population size (APS) for each individual territory, using the reverse calculation method, was compared to the counted population size (CPS) of each species. Next, the ratios between the specified population size (SPS) and the CPS were compared; and also the ratios of CPS and actual hunting bag were compared for individual years in the specified periods. Many errors in hunting management policy were found in all analyses regarding red deer. In many cases the APS, using the reverse calculation method, was several-times higher than the CPS. Also a large difference between SPS and CPS was very common. Similar results were also found in the analyses of fallow deer and mouflon populations, where the management policy was very similar to that of red deer. Evaluation of the roe deer management policy showed better results. Despite the fact that the APS was higher than the CPS, it was never several-times higher. Even in SPS and CPS ratios no extreme outcomes were found. From the official processed data it is evident that hunting association plans for game breeding and hunting indicate many significant problems, where the smallest problem is with roe deer and the biggest problem is with red deer.

Over the last three decades wild ungulates populations in Italy increased to values ranging from 300% to 600%. As a consequence, in Italy as well as in other European countries, situations with high ungulate density and, then, negative effects on the stability and dynamics of ecosystems, are increasing frequently. Starting from these evidences we investigated the effects of roe deer population on the vegetative regeneration of two different broadleaved tree species: Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) and chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) coppice stands. In Alpe di Catenaia (Apennines – Central Italy), after coppicing in 2002, we chose six experimental areas where fenced (P) and non-fenced (NP) plots were established. Measurements were performed at the beginning of the study period and in winter 2008 in both P and NP plots. Diameter and height of all sprouts were measured. Results showed a different impact of roe deer on the two species. After seven years chestnut did not show any significant browsing-related damage, while in Turkey oak heavy differences between protected and non-protected areas are present: in NP plots roe deer browsing has produced a significant reduction in basal area (58%) and volume (57%) compared to P plots. The results agree with previous studies and confirm: (a) a selective browsing pressure on Turkey oak; (b) the lasting effect of the early impact after clear cutting, visible even seven years after. Based on the findings, we discussed the need for an integrated management of forest vegetation and forest fauna which should define the density of ungulates not only according to the theoretical carrying capacity of ecosystems, but also considering (i) the preservation of the ecosystem overall functionality, (ii) the forest structure development and (iii) the forest management type.

In order to determine the environment carrying capacity in terms of biomass production utilizable by game 360 representative sample plots (1 × 1 m) were laid out in the growing season on the basis of typological classification in forest stand of an area of 1,796.49 ha in the studied region of the Soutok Game Preserve, Židlochovice Forest Enterprise, Lanžhot Forest District. On meadows, pastures and others areas producing grass and herbs of a total area of 532.87 ha, other 57 sample plots were laid out and sample of biomass utilizable by game. Quantification of the biomass was carried out on the basis of the area cover of grass and woody undergrowth. In total, forest and non-forest land provides 14,659,851 kg grass and herb utilizable biomass. In forest stands production was found of 6,826,662 kg grass and herb biomass (on average 380 g/m2) and on meadows and pastures 7,833,189 kg (on average 1,470 g/m2). Moreover, production of 1,401,262 kg (on average 78 g/m2). Laboratory analyses were carried out of naturally dried-up samples of biomass and these values available energy were ascertained: the energy of grass and herb biomass amounted to 5.7 MJ/kg, the utilizable energy of wooody origin amounted to 4.03 MJ/kg. In view of the standardized game population size up the available food supply sufficient, because the energy requirement was fully covered by their daily quantitative consumption of biomass.

Habitat alteration to benefit hunted species has been implemented for centuries. These practices are most prevalent on public and private lands where management is funded through hunting licenses and hunting tourism. Habitat management for game species is globally widespread and can take diverse forms — e.g. tree reduction to enhance forage for deer in the United States and burning moorlands in Scotland to increase habitat for wading birds. Yet the effects of these practices on non-targeted animals are poorly understood. Given limited funding for conservation and increasing threats to biodiversity, understanding the shared benefits and unintended consequences of game management for other species is important. To quantify and characterize existing studies on this topic, we synthesized scientific literature that measured the effects of game management on non-targeted animals. We found surprisingly few studies ( n = 26), and the outcomes of these studies illustrated that, through diverse mechanisms, game management can have positive, negative or no effect on non-target taxa. Our analysis suggests that the explicit evaluation of the effects of game management on other species is rare but warranted, offering opportunities to advance ecological understanding and conservation of both target and non-target species. We propose a research agenda to fill knowledge gaps and catalyze a conversation about an approach to wildlife management that affects a large fraction of public and private land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Veterinary Medicine / Arhiv Veterinarske Medicine is the property of Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Europe, hunting and game management are centuries-old activities that have had profound effects on the landscapes and the biodiversity they support. Game management is a potentially important tool to enhance game populations and may also affect other wildlife. We investigated the relationship between redlegged partridge Alectoris rufa game management and steppe-bird abundance in central Spain. We surveyed 54 red-legged partridge hunting estates with varying game-management intensity in spring and/or summer in 2006 and 2008-2010. Information about game management was gathered through questionnaires to game managers. Birds were counted from fixed points and the amount of different land uses in each point was visually estimated. Our results show that the abundance of granivorous species (sandgrouse) increased significantly with the density of feeders, whereas non-granivorous species were more abundant in estates with more intensive fox control, although the latter relationship was weaker. Land-use variables, specifically agricultural lands, appeared in the models of all the groups considered. Therefore, there is an option for designing optimal management for red-legged partridge estates that potentially benefits non-target species: an effective combination of habitat management, adequate use of supplementary food and water, and possibly selective legal predator control when necessary and effective for the target game species, although the latter needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ardeola is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Ornitologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the hunting district Hády (897 ha), which is operated by the Křtiny Training Forest Enterprise, 383 samples of biomass utilizable as wildlife forage were collected and analysed; they were also quantified on the basis of surface coverage of grass and woody undergrowth. Grass and herbaceous biomass production in forest stands was 180,740 kg (average 0.02 kg/m2), on road shoulders and other areas it amounted to 25,213 kg (average 0.150 kg/m2). The greatest diversity of plant species (72) was detected on the other areas. In total, forest and other areas provide 205,953 kg of utilizable grass and herbaceous biomass available during the vegetation period. Production of woody biomass, i.e. buds and shoots, amounted to 307,243 kg (average 0.035 kg/m2). The woody component of food in this locality was represented mainly by the species of beech, hornbeam, maple, and ash. Evaluation of sample plots revealed that the area covered by herbs and grasses in the studied forest unit was reduced due to a large-scale shelterwood system. On the other hand, a markedly increased supply of food from woody biomass was found to be available in the form of buds, leaves and shoots. The number of individuals in the advance regeneration of woody species in undergrowth ranged between 270 and 380,000 pcs/ha. Average values used for the calculation of utilizable energy in biomass were obtained from a laboratory measurement of biomass samples and complemented with data from literature. Average values of forest herbs and grasses = 0.60 MJ; buds, leaves and shoots in the growing season = 0.75 MJ. Average daily food consumption was converted to net digestible energy in MJ. In order to estimate food sufficiency with respect to quality energy requirements were calculated on the basis of the metabolic size of roe deer and hare bodies. In the quantitative assessment of available food supply, the standardized game stock would utilize 51% of grass and herbaceous forage and 7.5% of food from woody biomass. In the qualitative assessment of available food supply it was demonstrated that energy requirements of roe deer and hare were fully covered by their daily quantitative consumption of herbaceous, grass and woody biomass.

An analysis was made of the present situation concerning game appreciation in the Czech Republic. A study was conducted into effective laws and regulations related to the valuation of nature. There is no legally binding directive for game appreciation in the Czech Republic at the present time. A questionnaire method (Contingent Valuation Method - CVM) was used to survey the activities of all 87 authorised experts in game management currently registered in the Czech Republic. It was found out that the game is appreciated as property, which contradicts to its legal status (res nullius). The most frequently used methods of game appreciation are a yield (demand) method and a comparative method. It is necessary to establish legal conditions under which the social value of all game species and other wildlife could be determined in order to ensure their survival and to strengthen the tools of their protection. The legislation in force authorises the Ministries of Agriculture and of the Environment of the Czech Republic to issue a relevant decree.

The 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act has fostered nostalgia and reflection among environmentalists. Signed into legislation by Lyndon B. Johnson on September 3, 1964, the Wilderness Act presented a duality of purpose--to maintain a level of defense to 9 million acres of wild land while also creating an "enduring resource of wilderness. " his 50th anniversary necessitates another observance--the presentation of Albert Schweitzer's Reverence for Life philosophy in his 1923 book titled he Philosophy of Civilization. Even a brief reading of Schweitzer's seminal works will prove to be reminiscent of Aldo Leopold, who is often seen as the godfather of environmentalism. his article aims to show the commonalities between Albert Schweitzer and Aldo Leopold and why the topic deserves further study. A brief comparison is presented here, including the ideas in which they most intersect. he cornerstone philosophies put forth by Schweitzer and Leopold helped develop language used both in the Wilderness Act and among environmentalists of today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how non-invasive indicators of diet quality, such as faecal nitrogen (FN), relate to population performance is a valuable asset when assessing the management of wild ungulates. However, the relationships between FN and protein intake may depend on the ingestion of less palatable plants containing high quantities of tannin (which is known to reduce degradable proteins) and management schemes (such as supplemental feeding). In order to describe the factors and potential use of FN as an indicator of diet quality, we selected a range of red deer ( Cervus elaphus) densities in Mediterranean habitats in South Central Spain, which were classified under different management regimens (with and without food supply). We specifically aimed to (i) identify the main population (management, density) and diet quality factors related to FN levels, (ii) assess the relationship between individual performance (body condition measured as kidney fat index, KFI) and FN and (iii) provide evidence of the modulating role that management may play in this relationship. FN was positively associated with the faecal tannin concentration and the density of deer. Interestingly, a positive correlation was observed between FN and nitrogen in plants on hunting estates with a supplemental food supply, whereas this relationship was not evident in the absence of supplemental feeding. Moreover, KFI was negatively associated with FN, and this negative association was more marked in the presence of supplemental feeding. This study exemplifies that caution is necessary when the interpretation of individual FN values is used to monitor the performance of red deer populations, particularly in high density contexts with a reduced quality of forage, and when supplemental food is provided. However, when FN is interpreted in concomitance with body condition, population parameters and diet quality, it has been proved to be a potentially simple, cost-effective and reliable indicator of biological performance and diet quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about how hunting pressure is determined, and the relative efficacy of different mechanisms to regulate harvest, can help to improve the managers' decision-making process. We developed a general framework about the decision-making process that regulates red-legged partridge ( Alectoris rufa) hunting pressure in central Spain based on information from a focus group and individual interviews with game managers. We also used available information to compare the efficiency of different tools thus improving some decision steps. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of different population monitoring methods as a way to reduce uncertainty on partridge availability to hunters. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between annual harvest and various regulatory mechanisms of partridge hunting pressure used in the study area to identify the most potentially useful one to limit annual take-off. Game managers usually set hunting pressure after a qualitative assessment on population abundance prior to the hunting season, but this decision was frequently modified during the course of the hunting season according to variations in catch or perceived abundance at that time. Our results showed that kilometric abundance indices (counting partridges from cars along line transects) was a simple cost-efficient and reliable estimate of partridge density (estimated by Distance sampling). A variety of regulatory mechanisms were used by managers. The variables that most affected annual harvest (in addition to partridge abundance) were the number of driven-shooting days, and hunter density in walked-up hunting days, suggesting that their adjustment will be the most efficient regulatory mechanisms. We conclude that adequate monitoring on population abundance should be a critical step for managers' decision-making, and that a better understanding of the relative value of regulatory mechanisms, combining social and ecological approaches, would help improving our understanding of any human-mediated system, thus leading to better management recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable use of natural resources such as game animals requires adjusting extraction to changes in population abundance. Population abundance monitoring is thus necessary to ensure an adaptive management, but this can be difficult in the case of migratory species where breeding areas are in remote places without local monitoring programs. Predictive models of the winter abundance based in the relation between climate and reproduction success or survival could be a useful alternative to monitoring networks in the breeding areas. In this paper, we evaluate the role of weather variables as indicators of winter abundance estimates. We used Game Abundance Indices (total number of woodcock observed during hunting days, divided by the number of hunting hours), collected by volunteer hunters during 21 seasons, and temperature, rainfall and number of days with snow, calculated in May, June and July in the breeding areas and December to January in the winter areas. The best models explaining variations in winter abundance included number of rainy days in May and June and temperature in July as explanatory variables. All variables were positively correlated with abundance except temperature in July. The predictive quality of the best model based on a leave-one-out cross-validation procedure (i.e. the Pearson correlation coefficient between observed values and LOO-predicted values) was 0.76. We discuss the applications of this predictive model to develop an adaptive hunting management scheme for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forestry Journal (03231046) is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Forestry Journal (03231046) is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper explores feeding patterns of wild Red-legged Partridges (Alectoris rufa) at artificial feeders, a common management action for game species. Feeders were studied during two consecutive periods from October 2009 to May 2011 in an agricultural area of northwest Spain. Camera trapping was used in order to assess climatic effects on weekly feeding patterns, investigate the influence of shrub cover on feed-site selection and evaluate behavioural patterns displayed when using feeders. Red-legged partridges used feeders throughout the study period, but particularly from December to February. No significant correlations were observed between the weekly number of photographs and climate conditions. A bimodal circadian feeding pattern was observed during daylight hours with peaks of activity in the morning and evening while, in central hours, the feeding visits decreased. We observed significant differences in the number of partridges photographed during the feeding visits along the study period. The use of feeders was not influenced by the presence of surrounding vegetation nor type of feeder. The behavioural analysis classified partridges in five different categories: feeding (33.5 and 32.3% for each period respectively), vigilance (26.8 and 30.7%), moving/unknown (25.9 and 20.6%), pecking/ dusting (11.2 and 15%) and other behaviours (2.8 and 1.8%). The percentage of vigilant birds photographed at feeders was not related to the covey size. This study demonstrates the use of the feeders by Red-legged Partridges but does not prove the potential benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land and game management in Scotland is following wider rural governance trends in becoming both multi-level and multi-actor, aiming to meet multiple objectives. However, these recent changes have not yet resolved many disputes over land and game management. This paper explores the reasons for this lack of success. Our research investigated discourses on changes in land management objectives and governance. We found that many game managers perceived changes in public policy objectives, coupled with social changes, as an attack on their traditions and heritage and a threat to cultural and economic interests tied to long-standing practices based on knowledge and ties to the land. In defence, game managers utilised a discourse claiming that only those with a long-standing association with the land had the true knowledge to manage the countryside, and this knowledge could not be learnt by others. This inherently irrefutable discourse united a heterogeneous coalition of land managers, who would otherwise disagree on specific issues, and, coupled with private property rights, helps to explain why recent governance arrangements have not been more successful in implementing policy changes aimed at delivering wider public benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reintroductions of flagship species, including charismatic wild ungulates, are becoming increasingly frequent to protect endangered species or stimulate conservation awareness. However, indicators that go beyond the target species are still needed to ensure the ecological sustainability of past and future reintroductions. Here, we examined woody vegetation to assess the ecological sustainability 25 years after the reintroduction of a wild ungulate, the Iberian ibex or Iberian wild goat ( Capra pyrenaica ). We used browsing intensity, foraging preferences, regeneration probability and pellet counting to estimate sustainable population densities. Currently, almost one quarter of the woody species showed unsustainable levels of browsing. Threatened woody species were more vulnerable to ungulate damage, with 50% lacking natural regeneration. Current density estimations (47 ind km −2 ) represent the highest densities ever recorded for this wild ungulate species and should be reduced by an effective population control. Predicted probability on tree regeneration reveals that a 50% reduction in current densities would increase the probability of successful regeneration by nearly 60%. Browsing was found to be an efficient indicator to assess the ecological sustainability and integrate management practices. Additionally, certain woody species that are both widely distributed and highly-preferred by ungulates could work as key indicators of unsustainability. We highlight that surveying browsing and successful regeneration in woody plant communities are essential monitoring tools to provide an early warning of ungulate overpopulation and to assess the suitability of a particular area to hold new ungulates. Thus, we recommend surveying woody vegetation before and after ungulate reintroductions to ensure the ecological sustainability of highly valuable woody ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Movement & Sport Sciences / Science & Motricité is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Corvids are often viewed as efficient predators capable of limiting prey species populations. Despite this widely held belief, a comprehensive review quantifying the effect of corvids on the demography of prey species is lacking. We examine the impacts of crows, ravens Corvus spp. and Eurasian Magpies Pica pica on the population parameters of other bird species. We summarize results from 42 studies, which included 326 explicit evaluations of relationships between a corvid and a potential prey species. Population parameters of studied prey species were categorized as abundance-related (numbers, nest density) or productivity-related (nest success, brood size). Information from both experimental removal studies and correlative studies was examined. Combining all studies, no negative influence of corvids on either abundance or productivity of prey species was found in 81% of cases. Negative impacts were significantly more likely in cases examining productivity rather than abundance (46 vs. 10%). Experimental studies that removed only corvid species were significantly less likely to show a positive impact on productivity than those removing corvids alongside other predators (16 vs. 60%). This suggests that the impact of corvids is smaller than that of other predators, or that compensatory predation occurs. The impact of corvids was similar between diverse avian groups (such as gamebirds, passerines and waders; or ground-nesting and other species). Crows were found to be significantly more likely to have a negative impact on prey species productivity than were Magpies (62 vs. 12%), but no differences were found in relation to prey abundance. We conclude that while corvids can have a negative impact on bird species, their impact is small overall, and nearly five times more frequent for productivity than for abundance. These results suggest that in most cases bird populations are unlikely to be limited by corvid predation and that conservation measures may generally be better targeted at other limiting factors. However, negative impacts were found in a minority of cases, and those may require further investigation to develop management tools to mitigate such impacts where they are of economic or conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of farm-reared game is considered a conflictive management tool because of its potential harmful ecological effects on wildlife and associated habitats. Estimates of the number of animals released and the area where this game management takes place could give an idea of the magnitude of their potential impacts. We aimed to quantitatively assess the release of farm-reared red-legged partridges ( Alectoris rufa) in the province of Ciudad Real, central Spain, one of the main hunting areas in this country. We analysed the official permits that the regional government granted to the hunting estates to release farm-reared partridges between 2006 and 2012. Our results show that an average of 800,000 partridges were released annually in the study area. A decrease in the number of hunting estates that used this game management practice, as well as in the number of red-legged partridges officially released, was observed during the last years within the study period. This might be a consequence of the current economic crisis, rather than a change in management styles. Release intensity was spatially heterogeneous, being higher in the southeast of the study area, where historically red-legged partridge was more abundant. Most of the red-legged partridges released came from only four farms placed in northern Spain. Our results suggest that this management activity should be better monitored and that spatial regulations should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many populations of wildlife, including large- and medium-sized predators are increasing in Europe. Trapping can be one way to reduce negative impacts of predators on human interests, such as game species and threatened species, but there is little knowledge of trap usage and motivation behind it. We used a mail survey in Sweden ( n = 3,886 respondents) to compare predator trappers with hunters who used other methods to kill predators, and with other hunters who did not kill predators, in regard to sociodemographics, beliefs, behaviors, and constraints. During 12 months prior to the survey 19 % of respondents had trapped any small- or medium-sized predator, while 15 % of respondents had trapped and 55 % had hunted (without using traps) red fox ( Vulpes vulpes), European badger ( Meles meles), or corvid birds. Reducing predator numbers was an important reason for hunting predators with traps. Of predator trappers, 97 % had hunted species that were potentially prey of the targeted predators (e.g., roe deer [ Capreolus capreolus], hare [ Lepus spp.], and grouse), 94 % believed that there were too many red foxes, badgers, or corvids on their main hunting ground, and 64 % believed it to be very important to reduce predator numbers to benefit other game species. We conclude that the use of traps is widespread among Swedish hunters, and that increasing wildlife populations, increased presence of wildlife in urban areas, and management of invasive species calls for effective management actions, of which trapping can be one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-use change and current game management have favored an increasing population of wild ungulates (especially deer) in many regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Here, we assess the impact of high deer densities (>30 ind km) on the highly diverse woody vegetation of Mediterranean ecosystems, where big game have been favored for the last decades. We examine whether prolonged deer browsing (over 30 years) affected plant composition, diversity and dynamics of the original (non-browsed) vegetation. Deer browsing led to an average decrease of 30.4 % in woody plant diversity (species richness), due to a lack of regeneration for the most preferred plant species. Species belonging to early stages of succession (mostly Labiatae and Cistaceae) were non-preferred by deer. Conversely, the most preferred species belonged mainly to late stages of plant succession. Deer impact on Mediterranean shrublands is causing biotic homogenization of plant communities and is threatening vegetation dynamics by forcing it to return to earlier succession stages. Strict deer population control favouring larger trophies but lower offspring numbers together with an adequate habitat management (increasing grass and acorn availability) would be the most efficient measures to reverse this diversity loss. Restoration work seems only appropriate for the most vulnerable species. We highlight the need of sampling deer-free areas with low or null historical browsing to assess the real impact of deer on woody plant diversity and vegetation dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Predation pressure on many threatened species, including European farmland songbirds, may have increased over recent decades. Predator reduction to protect declining bird populations is a controversial but potentially important tool for managers. Its effects require measurement before its consideration in conservation. Game management typically combines sympathetic habitat management measures with reduction of nest predators. It has been proffered as additionally benefiting farmland songbirds, but little is known about the effects on their demography. We analyzed 11 years of nest data from 6 songbird species on 3 lowland farms. The different game management regimes on the farms enabled us to test the hypotheses that systematic predator reduction (mammals and corvids) and sporadic corvid reduction improve nest success in songbirds. We detected a positive effect of systematic predator reduction on common blackbird ( Turdus merula), common chaffinch ( Fringilla coelebs), dunnock ( Prunella modularis), song thrush ( T. philomelos), and yellowhammer ( Emberiza citrinella) but not common whitethroat ( Sylvia communis). For the 5 species that demonstrated an effect, systematic predator reduction improved the odds of nests surviving a day within the nest cycle by a factor of between 1.59 and 1.89. For common blackbird, the effect occurred at the egg (laying and incubation) stage of the nest cycle, whereas for other species it occurred across stages. Sporadic corvid reduction had a positive effect on nest survival only for common blackbird (at the nestling stage only) and a negative effect only for yellowhammer (across both stages). The extent to which predator reduction might influence populations may depend on mechanisms such as re-nesting compensation and overwinter mortality. Where habitat management is in place to assist threatened songbirds, intensive, systematic nest predator reduction may provide a useful conservation tool for improvement of nest success. © 2014 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]