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AbstractVisual arts have witnessed the emergence of various roles and themes throughout history, resulting in the development of diverse methods and platforms within the industry. In the realm of urban music, specifically in Iran, musical instruments are adorned with various images, becoming integral accessories to this art form.In the 6th century AH, along the banks of the Aras River in the region historically known as the Kingdom of Sharvan, Khaghani Sharvani, a poet and musicologist, highlighted the unique role of Daf, a percussion instrument adorned with depictions of domestic and wild animals, especially in hunting situations. This article employed a historical-analytical method and relied on library studies to explore this topic. Multiple factors contribute to the significance of Daf in this context, making it difficult to pinpoint a single definitive reason. However, considering the historical connection between similar practices among the shamans of Siberia and the Caucasus, as well as Khaghani Sharvani's emphasis on the association between Daf and the hunting grounds of the kings of Sharvan, this explanation emerges as the most compelling and informative among the various reasons that can be discussed.Keywords: Collection of Khaghani Poems, Hunting Ground, Daf, Images of Animals, Reason for Painting on Daf.IntroductionUtilization of various motifs derived from inanimate objects, plants, animals, and other natural elements in Iranian visual arts has been a prevalent practice, extending across different mediums, such as containers, pages, coins, textiles, and more, continuing into the present era. This artistic motif is not limited to a specific region but has adapted to different climatic and cultural conditions, playing a significant role. Beyond its decorative purpose, these motifs often carry symbolic meanings. The range of symbolic patterns and their application is extensive, especially when considering Iranian musical instruments used in urban settings and various regions of Iran, which encompass diverse elements.Exploring the poetry of Khaghani Sharvani from the 6th century AH, it became evident that this artistic craftsmanship had flourished in the region of Sharvan and its surrounding territories. Khaghani Sharvani, a poet in the court of the Sharvan dynasty during the reign of Manuchehr and Akhsetan, frequently and distinctively portrayed an instrument known as Daf in his poems. This suggested that the art form may have originated in that specific region or, at the very least, within the court of the Sharvan shahs. Khaghani repeatedly referenced incorporation of wild and domestic animals in combination on the surface of this instrument, a unique and distinguishing characteristic not found in historical references or the poetry of other Persian-speaking poets, similar to the depiction that can be observed today on the instrument of "Dayereh" from Kerman Region, which bears resemblance to Daf.Materials and MethodsThe research problem was identified through a combination of comparative studies and historical and analytical methods. This study bridged the fields of historical musicology and literature (music-literature), contributing to a deeper understanding of Khaghani's poetry on the subject and shedding new light on the history of Iranian music. Research FindingsRegarding the reasons for depicting and occasionally engraving animal figures on the instrument of Daf in Sharvan Region or at least within the court of Sharvan kings, the following could be stated: The Influence of Mythology and Shamanic Culture:The influence of mythological and shamanic cultures on Iranian religious and mystical art forms is significant. Depicting animal forms in art is a recurring theme in Iranian mythology and religious art, aligning with shamanic culture. Shamans often integrate animal symbolism and imagery into their rituals and ceremonies. The use of drums in shamanic rituals also bears resemblance to Sufi musical traditions in Iran, specifically the use of Daf. The drum played a central role in shamanic rituals, similar to the function of Daf in Sufi music. The geographic proximity of regions where shamanism was practiced, such as Siberia and the Caucasus, to the land of Sharvan further suggested the potential influence of shamanic culture on Iranian art and religious practices. Cultural exchange and interaction between these regions may have contributed to the incorporation of shamanic elements into Iranian religious and mystical art forms. Depiction of Animals in Hunting Situations:Khaghani was found to refer to the depiction of animals on the instrument of Daf twelve times and in most instances, the pictures followed a specific theme—the gathering of animals in a hunting situation. These depictions portrayed animals entangled in a hunting ground, sometimes attacking each other, sometimes coexisting peacefully, and sometimes praising and congratulating the king. The circular shape of Daf aligned with the circular hunting technique called "Pareh" or "Jargeh" practiced in Iran where animals were surrounded in a circular fashion and then hunted within the circle. This could potentially explain the recurring theme of hunting depicted on Daf. Connection to Animal Skin:The reliance of Daf instrument on animal skin, typically sourced from sheep, goat, or deer, for resonation is another significant point. Khaghani had made multiple references to this aspect in his poetry. Association of Music with Hunting:Association of music with hunting could be another reason for the depiction of animals on Daf instrument. In the past, Daf was used as a musical accompaniment during hunting activities. Continuity of Feast and Hunting in Iranian Art:Continuity of feasts and hunting and their role in the depiction of Iranian artworks from pre-Islamic times to the present also provided context for the recurring motifs on Daf instrument.By exploring these findings, a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and symbolic significance of animal depictions on Daf instrument in Sharvan Region or within the court of Sharvan kings could be gained.Discussion of Results and ConclusionThe findings of this study highlighted the intricate nature of artistic creation and emphasized that the choice of motifs in art was influenced by a multitude of factors. In the case of painting on Daf instrument, it was evident that there were multiple reasons for the selection of animal motifs.The spiritual and ecstatic function of Daf coupled with its round shape emerged as significant factors in the decision to incorporate animal imagery onto this particular instrument. Association of Daf with ecstatic practices and its interpretive potential stemming from its circular form contributed to the prevalence of animal motifs in its decoration.Significantly, it was observed that animal imagery was absent in other musical instruments, such as Barbat, Azerbaijani Tar, Harp, and Rabab. This observation prompted a deeper exploration of why these motifs were limited to Daf. The distinct characteristics and functions of Daf, including its association with ecstatic experiences and artistic possibilities afforded by its circular shape, were the key factors that explained the prevalence of animal motifs in its adornment.This perspective emphasized the importance of comprehending the cultural and functional contexts of artistic expressions and how these elements influenced the selection of motifs in different art forms.In conclusion, the research findings shed light on the significance and complexity of the animal motifs depicted on Daf instrument. The enduring presence of this artistic style in Iran for over 9 centuries underscored its cultural significance. By delving into the multifaceted reasons behind the depiction of animals on Daf, we gained a deeper understanding of the interplay between artistic expression, cultural practices, and functional attributes of musical instruments. This knowledge enriches our appreciation of the diverse factors that shape artistic creation in different contexts.

Visual arts have witnessed the emergence of various roles and themes throughout history, resulting in the development of diverse methods and platforms within the industry. In the realm of urban music, specifically in Iran, musical instruments are adorned with various images, becoming integral accessories to this art form. In the 6th century AH, along the banks of the Aras River in the region historically known as the Kingdom of Sharvan, Khaghani Sharvani, a poet and musicologist, highlighted the unique role of Daf, a percussion instrument adorned with depictions of domestic and wild animals, especially in hunting situations. This article employed a historical-analytical method and relied on library studies to explore this topic. Multiple factors contribute to the significance of Daf in this context, making it difficult to pinpoint a single definitive reason. However, considering the historical connection between similar practices among the shamans of Siberia and the Caucasus, as well as Khaghani Sharvani's emphasis on the association between Daf and the hunting grounds of the kings of Sharvan, this explanation emerges as the most compelling and informative among the various reasons that can be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout Europe agriculture intensification during the last decades has dramatically changed the structure of the farmland landscape with an intensive impact on ecosystem stability. Changes in the production led to decreased habitat heterogeneity and to decline in biodiversity, including the European hare (Lepus europaeus), especially in the lowland regions. Even though European hare mostly adapted to intensive agricultural habitats, the population densities have decreased throughout Europe since the 1960s. Previous research reported field size to be one of the most important predictors of the hare population. We aimed to assess the effect of habitat heterogeneity and structure on hare habitat selection i.e. population density. Using hunting organization census data we explored the population density and habitat preference of the European hare in spring 2020 in the hunting ground, Bačka - Bački Petrovac. The average population density of European hare significantly differed between four fractions of the hunting ground - Bački Petrovac, Kulpin, Gložan, and Maglić. Density varied from 27 in Bački Petrovac to 50 individuals per 100 ha in Maglić. The population was negatively affected by mean patch size and by the area under no vegetation during the winter period. Conservation measures should focus on enhancing habitat heterogeneity by reducing field size, and fostering sowing during the late autumn period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local communities worldwide utilise natural salt licks for hunting or extracting salts. In Sarawak, salt licks are not protected by legislation, and limited documentation is available regarding the community dependence on such resources. This study investigates the dependence of indigenous Sarawak communities on natural salt licks. A quantitative questionnaire survey using snowball sampling approach was conducted, targeting 27 individuals from communities residing nearby nine salt licks in northern and central Sarawak. These communities included the Kenyah (18), Iban (four), Berawan (three), Kelabit (one) and others (one). The survey revealed that the salt licks were mainly utilised for hunting (92.6%) or to collect salt (7.4%). A majority of respondents (57.1%) reported catching one to two animals on each hunting trip near a salt lick. Sambar deer (38.5%) was recorded as the most commonly observed animal at these sites, followed by wild boar (24.6%) and muntjacs (15.4%). Other species include macaques (10.8%), langurs (7.7%) and mousedeers (3.1%). The study highlights the importance of salt licks and can be used to formulate the development of conservation strategies and management plans for these sites in Sarawak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The European bison is the largest species of land mammal in Europe and was on the verge of extinction after the First World War. Through the efforts of scientists, wildlife managers, protected areas administrators, and environmental NGOs, the species has been saved from total extinction. All protective activities began in Poland, where the most bison survived, and the initiator of this undertaking was Jan Stanislaus Sztolcman. We aimed to analyse the possibility of reintroducing free-ranging wisents in an area in the north of Romania where the species existed until 1852. Near the analysed area, several wisents were released in the last decade, and now their number has increased to over 50 specimens. The study highlighted the ecological favourability of certain forests where reintroduction would be successful. Additionally, in order to connect the actual and future populations, certain ecological corridors were determined. The species is important for its ecological role as well as from scientific, educational, and sustainable development viewpoints. We analysed the possibility of reintroducing the European bison (Bison bonasus L.) in the north of Romania—in Suceava, Neamț, and Maramureș counties—as well as increasing the wild European bison population in Neamț county to improve the genetic quality of the existing population. Currently, there is a population of over 50 individuals in the wild in Vânători Neamț Natural Park, Romania. At the same time, an attempt was made to identify the connecting corridors between the free European bison in Neamț county and other populations through new nuclei of European bison released in Suceava and Maramureș counties. In this regard, the hunting grounds with the highest ecological potential for the analysed species were identified using GIS spatial analysis techniques. The aim was also to trace possible ecological corridors linking different reintroduction locations, taking into account the ecological claims of the species. The analysis also followed the size of the European bison groups to be released, the sex ratio of each group, and the periodicity of their releasing. In order to reach viable populations, scenarios and simulations were carried out depending on the age, number, and sex of the relocated specimens. In this regard, the dynamics and the minimum viable population that could survive without risk of extinction were highlighted. The analysis showed that the analysed area has a high potential for the reintroduction of European bison in the wild. The release and creation of new European bison nuclei in the wild creates the premises for natural contacts with the existing free populations in the wild, genetic improvement, and increasing fauna diversity with ecological, social, and economic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deforestation could influence land cover ecological significance in hunting grounds on a big scale. This research examines changes of forest and shrub patches in the Vojvodina region by a set of landscape metrics. The study area includes 154 hunting grounds from which hunting organizations are managing with 134 hunting grounds, PC "Vojvodinasume" with 17, Serbian Armed Forces with two, and National Park "Fruska gora" with one hunting ground. The results show that in the National Park and Serbian Armed Forces hunting grounds the broad-leaved forest areas occurred on the surfaces that were under the transitional woodland-shrub and vice versa. A similar situation is in the hunting grounds managed by PC ''Vojvodinasume'' where there is not only the most intensive logging of broad-leaved and coniferous forests but also the most intensive afforestation of mixed forests and transitional woodland-shrub. On the other hand, in the hunting grounds managed by hunting organizations, there is the highest area growth under the broad-leaved forest.

The article analyzes a number of the main aspects of industrial hunting control as a legal measure for providing protection and rational use of game resources and their habitats. The study was carried out on the basis of systemic approach using complex and historic methods, formal and logistic analyses, methods of classification, analogue, law simulation and legal interpretation. The article gives the classification of hunting control as a separate direction of environmental control and presents industrial hunting control as a kind of non-state hunting management. Historic conditions and reasons for introduction of industrial hunting control into the system of environment protection in Russia are shown. The definition of the concept « industrial hunting control» is proposed and specific features of this process are pointed out. One of these features is the focus on the conservation, reproduction and rational use of game resources through detecting, preventing and restraint of violation of regulatory requirements of hunting and game resources conservation law. The next specific is giving authoritative powers characteristic of state hunting supervision bodies to hunting providers. Industrial hunting control also features mixed, external and internal nature that means the ability of its implementation with regard to both individuals and organizations irrespective of hunting providers and workers and subdivisions of long-term hunting providers. The principles of industrial hunting control development have been outlined and current need for their special legitimization in the law of hunting and game resources conservation is shown. The proposed system of principles can become the basis for solving scientific and practical problems of industrial hunting control, ensuring consistency and stability of legal regulation in this area.

Deforestation could influence land cover ecological significance in hunting grounds on a big scale. This research examines changes of forest and shrub patches in the Vojvodina region by a set of landscape metrics. The study area includes 154 hunting grounds from which hunting organizations are managing with 134 hunting grounds, PC "Vojvodinasume" with 17, Serbian Armed Forces with two, and National Park "Fruska gora" with one hunting ground. The results show that in the National Park and Serbian Armed Forces hunting grounds the broad-leaved forest areas occurred on the surfaces that were under the transitional woodland-shrub and vice versa. A similar situation is in the hunting grounds managed by PC Vojvodinasume where there is not only the most intensive logging of broad-leaved and coniferous forests but also the most intensive afforestation of mixed forests and transitional woodland-shrub. On the other hand, in the hunting grounds managed by hunting organizations, there is the highest area growth under the broad-leaved forest.

The quality and quantity of natural food resources and food from agricultural land vary considerably depending on the type of the hunting ground and the season. In order to achieve better body weight of the hunted pheasants, to preserve their number and achieve better reproductive potential of these birds, supplemental feeding is necessary. Previous studies have shown that feeding of pheasants in hunting grounds in all seasons, and especially during the winter, yields positive results. The achieved results, however, are significantly dependent on the degree of anthropogenic activity in the hunting grounds, as well as the amount of natural food. Moreover, nutrition must be adequate not only in terms of the quantity, but also the quality. This means that instead of single feeds (most commonly cereals: wheat, corn, etc.), complete mixtures should be used, which is a costly solution. However, pheasants aged five or more months are increasingly in demand for hunting on the polygons. Nevertheless, hunting in preserved nature and with a diverse wildlife fund will never lose its significance.

Recent researches have determined that vegetation is one of the essential factors for game habitat quality. Vegetation is important in the form of the following components: as a food supplier, as a shelter provider, as the creator and regulator of the micro-climate of the habitat, etc. Past practice has shown that the classical methods for evaluating habitat factors involve a lot of subjectivity and often lead to an unrealistic estimate of hunting ground capacity that can affect sustainable game management. Instead of the classical analyses, paper proposes assessment of this factor using Geographic Information System (GIS). NDVI - normalized difference vegetation index is a graphical indicator that can be used to analyze images obtained by remote sensing and is used for these purposes. The researched area was hunting ground "Kapetanski rit" - Kanjiža, Serbia. In order to assess the vegetation factor, the analysis of satellite images is done for two periods of the year (May and December/January). In May the game prepares shelters for bringing an offspring and the period December/January is taken as part of the year when vegetation coverage is minimal due to winter and game is in need of additional food and shelter. Based on the results and maps, the user of the hunting ground can have a clearer view of the vegetation types and distribution, hence assistance in planning and analyzing the territorial distribution of the game. Comparing classical methods for evaluating vegetation and the use of GIS for this purpose shows the advantages of new improved GIS methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collected Papers of the Law Faculty of the University of Rijeka / Zbornik Pravnog Fakulteta Sveučilišta u Rijeci is the property of Pravni fakultet Sveucilista u Rijeci 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.)

Hunting tourism is a special (selective) form of tourism and an integral part of hunting, and it is implemented with efforts to preserve and regenerate its main motive and resource (hunting grounds and game populations), at least to the extent defined as simple reproduction. It brings a significant share of revenue to the hunting sector, which is mainly focused on the improvement of habitat conditions, as well as the production, breeding and protection of game and a to a smaller extent on the construction and maintenance of facilities for the accommodation and board of tourist hunters. Hunting is an important recreational, sporting and touristic activity characterized by the potential presence of various safety risks, which can cause injury and even accidental death of participants in the hunt and their hunting dogs, but also of other persons, and cause damage to property in the hunting grounds and beyond. Data suggest that almost every year in Serbia one death is caused by hunting firearms during hunting.

This paper presents the issue of the use of forest and hunting resources in Serbia, with special emphasis on their sustainability. The use of modern technological solutions in terms of sustainable use of forest and hunting resources should be seen through an analysis and evaluation of environmental impacts. The existing machinery used in Serbian forestry cannot respond to the current demands of forestry production. However, the current unfavourable conditions can be significantly improved with appropriate measures. The planning of a network of roads including a number of factors that directly and indirectly affect sustainable use is of great importance for the development of forestry and hunting. Wood biomass in Serbian forests should be used in the manner and to the extent that ensures the sustainability of ecosystems and the production of large quantities of energy. In recent years, non-timber forest products have gained importance, so that the income generated from their use is growing. The impact of newly adopted laws and bylaws in the field of forestry, hunting and the protection of nature and environment will depend primarily on their application, control, execution and possible amendments and adjustments.

Copyright of Gozdarski Vestnik is the property of Federation of Forestry Associations of Slovenia 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.)

Hunting is an important socio-economic activity, particularly in rural areas. Characteristics and quality of habitat are important in the sustainable management of game animals and wildlife conservation. Three hunting grounds were analysed and their habitat composition was compared with regard to abundance of main game animal species. Hunting ground VIII/2 "Bjelolasica" is located in Gorski kotar region; XVII/6 "Maglaj-Cista" in the inland of middle Dalmatia; and hunting ground "Dragišnica" is located in northern part of Montenegro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenced hunting ground "Valnište" covers 410 ha on the slopes of the mountain Čemernik, in the Municipality Crna Trava. The hunting ground is situated in the Golema Reka watershed. Rainfall and runoff regime in the Golema Reka watershed were researched in order to create a hydrological base with the data on rainfall, available water resources and maximal discharges. Average annual rainfall design value for the watershed is 860. 14 mm. The highest monthly rainfall occurs in June and May, and the lowest in September and October. As there are no measured data, runoff regime was determined based on the method of parameter hydrology. The following calculation results are adopted for the maximal discharge: Q1000=19,0 m3·s-1 i Q100=10,90 m3·s-1. The adopted value of mean annual specific discharge (runoff module) is MQ=16,0 l·s-1·km-2.The study results of rainfall and runoff regime in the Golema Reka watershed show that hydrological conditions are favorable for the development of hunting and hunting tourism.

The effects of roads and railways on major species of large game (roe deer and wild boar) have been studied in eight hunting grounds in the Belgrade area (nine municipalities), as well as the consequences of chemical accidents in transport of hazardous materials. Road accidents involving birds, game and other animals (WVC - wildlife vehicle collisions) during 2009-2013 in the Belgrade area result in 10 cases (4.8%) in injuries for drivers and passengers. In total, 267 roe deer and 8 wild boar were killed in traffic by cars and trains. Traffic accidents with roe deer have their maximum in April-May and then in December. The adult sex ratio in roe deer killed in traffic by cars and trains was 2.1 (173 $ and 80 cm), indicating that females were more vulnerable than males. The yearly traffic kill of roe deer represented between 0.8% and 1.1% of the spring population size. In the Belgrade area, the mobile eco-toxicological laboratory of the City Institute of Public Health Belgrade during 2004-2012 registered 177 chemical accidents (mean= 19.7, range = 13 to 26). The chemical accidents in transport of hazardous materials were sporadic and their consequences were small-scale contamination of the environment and economic losses. At the main transport routes of hazardous materials passing through hunting grounds in the Belgrade area occurred 26 chemical accidents, out of which 11 on the railways and 9 on the roads, and the remainder in air and river transportation (4 and 2, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]