Home range size is important ecological parameter, since it reflects environmental characteristics, inter- and intra-specific interactions, as well as other biological characterises of the species. Previous studies of relations between composition and size of home ranges in mammals have been almost exclusively focused on natural environmental factors. In this study we showed that even in well preserved areas anthropogenic factors (in this case roads as disturbance factor and supplemental feeding) can have strongest effects on home range size, which has several research and management implications.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3427238
We studied mandible growth of juvenile roe deer up to age of 6 months and analysed differences in mandible growth and size among regions of Slovenia. Males had larges mandible sizes then females, but we did not observe any differences in growth dynamic between the sexes. Mandibles were largest in roe deer from eastern Slovenia and smallest in Primorska region and the Alps. Regional differences in mandible size are probably related to differences in habitat suitability between the regions. Data on growth dynamic is needed for the use of mandible length as an indicator in the control method (adaptive management). Knowledge of regional differences is important for understanding of effects of various habitat factors, which are further discussed in this paper.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3442854
We estimated reliability of the macroscopic (ocular) assessment of the age of red deer, which is performed by hunters based on the tooth wear. We validated this approach by cutting the first lower molar (M1) and counting annuli in tooth cementum. Considerable errors in ocular assessment for both sexes were observed. As much as one third of estimates for stag mandibles were incorrect compared to annuli counting method. This raises doubts about reliability of stag categorization into three age categories in hunting-management planning. Because of the age-specific responses of animals to their environment measured through various indicators, reliable age determination is crucial for successful adaptive management. Especially questionable is the usefulness of older categories (2+), for which ocular age estimation is least reliable.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3486374
European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) is the most important game-management specie not only in Slovenia but also in other European countries. For effective game management it is crucial to have information about ecology and about population parameters that shape the population dynamics of the species. Knowledge about variability of reproductive potential, i.e. level of fertilized females, litter size and fawn sex ratio, is, apart from the parameters that are already in use, for control method very welcome as it provides more efficient adaptive game management, including proper culling planning of populations. Factors affecting reproductive potential of roe deer are individual, population and environmental. The final output of reproductive potential is sum of all influencing factors and several combinations between them and therefore it varies among different populations and environments. However, in Slovenia this issue has been until now neglected. In the following report we present an overview of the recent European research on factors affecting fertility and reproductive potential of roe deer. Similar research would also be favourable in Slovenia, as roe deer is exposed to various environmental factors in this area. In addition, it is also involved in unique interspecific interactions which have not been studied in recent foreign researches. Furthermore, Slovene distinguishing databases provide outstanding prerequisites for proficient understanding of influential factors on roe deer yield in the middle Europe area.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3783078
A review of game/wildlife research in Slovenia is presented in the paper. This includes overview of the organization and funding of research activities, a list of the most recent national research projects, other research activities in the field of game management, and some of the perspectives and challenges helping game/wildlife to be recognized as an extremely important part of all natural ecosystems. A very important part of the contribution is a comprehensive list of scientific and professional papers, which were published by Slovene researchers/experts in the period 2003-2012, and originated from game/wildlife related studies. The list includes 199 entities (among them 86 original or review scientific papers, 2 chapters in scientific monographs, 26 published scientific lectures and 6 doctoral dissertations, respectively), and will enable all interested readers to learn much more about game research in Slovenia. Indeed, particularly because the list will be used to produce digital library, which will be accessible also on the website of the Slovene Hunting Association.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1137366