The Expanding Thread of Ungulate Browsing—A Review of Forest Ecosystem Effects and Management Approaches in Europe

Forests, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(8), P. 1311 - 1311

Published: July 26, 2024

In recent decades, ungulates have expanded in number and range Europe. This review aims to analyze the impact of ungulate browsing different forest ecosystems identify main driving factors trends. total, 155 studies were analyzed preparing this review, across 19 European countries. Europe, browsers are represented by roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.), red (Cervus elaphus moose (Alces alces chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra fallow (Dama dama L.). Regarding severity, they frequently exceeded 50%, meaning that over half saplings browsed. Ungulate density was factor with areas exhibiting high pressure often having more than ten individuals per square kilometer. The type silvicultural system used played a vital role severity browsing, trends foraging for preferred tree species identified. Fencing most common non-harmful protection method used, while hunting management efficient controlling numbers intensity. Large carnivores missing study areas, but where present, significant creating chain reaction ecological impacts. Considering on ecosystems, there is pressing need research comprehend effectively mitigate effects presence comprehensively.

Language: Английский

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Comparative analysis of PFASs concentrations in fur, muscle, and liver of wild roe deer as biomonitoring matrices

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Dec. 23, 2024

Background Recently, environmental pollution has become a significant concern for human, animal, and health, fitting within the “One Health” framework. Among various contaminants, per- polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have gathered substantial attention due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, adverse health effects. This study aimed compare levels of 12 PFASs in fur, liver, muscle wild roe deer evaluate feasibility using fur as non-invasive biomonitoring matrix. Methods A total 20 male female aged between 24 months were randomly sampled from hunting area Northern Italy. Samples muscle, liver collected post-mortem, PFAS concentrations measured validated UHPLC-HRMS method. Results discussion The results indicated differences among three matrices. Fur, although easier sample store, showed highly variable levels, with different detection frequencies compared liver. such PFHxA more frequently detected than while compounds PFBA, PFPeA, PFHpA, PFDA, PFHxS, 6-2 FTS, 8-2 FTS less fur. In conclusion, presents many practical advantages biomonitoring, sampling stability, its use is complicated by varying concentration levels. These aspects, together single technique, can be considered limitation study. Notably, PFOA, PFNA, PFOS partially similar across matrices, suggesting potential interest further research. offers new perspectives on monitoring, highlighting need extensive research understand relationship other biological Future studies should focus methodological improvements extraction quantification techniques enhance reliability tool.

Language: Английский

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Diet Selection by the Italian Hare (Lepus corsicanus de Winton, 1898) in Two Protected Coastal Areas of Latium

Animals, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 12(6), P. 687 - 687

Published: March 9, 2022

This study was focused on the diet and feeding behaviour of Lepus corsicanus in two protected coastal areas Latium, Castelporziano Presidential Estate (CPE) Circeo National Park (CNP). Plant frequency assessed by quadrat method, while composition determined microhistological analysis faecal samples. Over year, Italian hare fed 185 229 plant species identified vegetation, with most them ingested low percentages (≤1%). During dry season (DS), both areas, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Cynodon dactylon, Avena fatua were among consumed species. In wet (WS) common B. Poa trivialis, Carex distachya CPE Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus echinatus, Spartium junceum CNP. sites, considering annual selection life forms, grasses leguminous forbs preferred, non-leguminous shrubs used less than expected according to their availability. ANOSIM showed significant differences between sites DS WS diets. Our evidenced that behaved as generalist, revealing its capability for exploiting several adapt preferences space-time variation food

Language: Английский

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First molecular detection of Babesia vulpes and Babesia capreoli in wild boars from southern Italy

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 10

Published: Aug. 7, 2023

Following the increase of wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations in Europe, a potential risk emerging infections by vector-borne pathogens may occur. Despite this, circulation piroplasmid species these ungulates is still neglected topic, particularly Mediterranean basin. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate presence Babesia/Theileria spp. boars from southern Italy assess epidemiological role piroplasmids.By using citizen science approach among hunters and veterinarians, spleen samples were collected Campania region (southern Italy) between 2016 2022. A combined semi-nested PCR/sequencing analysis targeting V4 hyper-variable 18S rRNA was run detect DNA.Out 243 boars, 15 (i.e., 6.2, 95% CI: 3.4-9.9) tested positive spp., Babesia vulpes (n = 13, 5.3, 3.1-8.9) most prevalent, followed capreoli 2, 0.8, 0.2-2.9). Three different B. sequence types identified ST1, ST2, ST3), with representative as ST1 (60%), single type. No statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) found age, sex, province sample collection year.Data demonstrate for first time occurrence which play biological cycle piroplasmids. We emphasize importance monitoring prevent foci infection. The engagement scientifically based surveys can constitute technically sound control strategy piroplasmids One Health perspective.

Language: Английский

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The Quality of Roe Deer (Capreolus Capreolus) Diet in the Winter and Spring Periods Based on Rumen Contents

Contemporary Agriculture, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 71(1-2), P. 137 - 140

Published: May 31, 2022

Summary The purpose of this study is to compare the specifics winter and spring diets roe deer using rumen content analysis. A chemical analysis was performed on a total 13 samples contents: 7 diet contents 6 contents. following parameters were examined in study: level crude protein fiber (NDF, ADF ADL). results obtained processed by descriptive statistics compared F-tests. Consequently, certain deviations quality nutrition found both periods year. lack energy can pose significant problems deer, especially cooler Approximately 17MJ/day maximum assumed required for animals kept enclosure. need varies from 30.8% 34.4% DM. This problem be tackled if are adequately fed with bulky concentrated feed, despite fact that adapt metabolically seasonal variations.

Language: Английский

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Environmental favorability models as a tool to support trophic rewilding initiatives

Restoration Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 32(3)

Published: Oct. 17, 2023

Trophic rewilding is considered a conservation measure that aims to restore the trophic interactions. In north‐central Portugal, Iberian wolf ( Canis lupus signatus ) endangered mainly due human persecution, triggered by depredation on livestock. Several initiatives have occurred in this area increase wild prey availability reintroducing/reinforcing roe deer Capreolus capreolus populations. However, success of relies up‐to‐date scientific evidence, considering both ecological and social settings. Favorability models can be used infer most suitable habitats for settlement expansion analyzing environmental variables known influence species ecology behavior. study, we how habitat favorability contribute plan populations reinforcement processes as tool chain restoration. Using 330 camera traps, monitored population over 8,940 km 2 Portugal. Field data were evaluate determinants presence. By using function, created spatially explicit gradient allowed us define key areas application management measures. The selected sites are strategically positioned promote natural established overlap current distribution wolf. These results an important step toward restoration reduce human–wolf conflicts. Our proposal paves way future initiatives, especially where central survival top predators.

Language: Английский

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To be browsed or not to be browsed: differences in nutritional characteristics of blackthornPrunus spinosasubject to the long-term pressure of herbivores

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 6, 2024

Abstract The impact of ungulates on temperate forest vegetation has been investigated for a long time. Numerous studies food selection have identified the palatable plant species preferred by large European herbivores. However, intra-specific and question why particular plants given are ignored during foraging neglected in literature. In central Europe, Blackthorns Prunus spinosa growing abandoned pastures an important component red deer’s Cervus elaphus diet. areas densely populated deer, annual shoot browsing produces dwarf shrubby forms blackthorns. some blackthorns not browsed tend to adopt tree-like form. existence distinct, browsing-dependent growth raises inter-individual differences nutritional composition plants. Based factor analysis, we discovered between unbrowsed that might explain individual plant-related drivers deer preferences. leaves contained higher concentrations C, N, P Cu but lower levels Ca Mg than ones. Moreover, had water content insoluble proteins, chlorophylls carotenoids. We highlight fact characteristics may observed pattern, leading unhindered fraction blackthorn population, spite severe pressure part ungulate results this study underline role herbivores dynamics communities, which mediate persistence certain individuals species. Highlights Browsing leads formation Some form Browsed differ chemical from ones profile influence

Language: Английский

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First Report on a Cliff-Nesting Pair of Black Storks (Ciconia nigra Linnaeus, 1758) and Their Nestlings

Forests, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(10), P. 1941 - 1941

Published: Sept. 24, 2023

The black stork is an endangered species in many countries, due to its low adaptability environmental changes and sensitivity anthropogenic disturbances. In Italy, the most recent report on species’ nesting sites lists only 36 pairs, of which 16 are Basilicata, 7 Calabria, 4 Piedmont Molise 1 Campania. This study focuses for first time behavior a Ciconia nigra pair Basilicata region, where nests exclusively cliffs rather than trees, as more frequent elsewhere. video recordings were used observe during pre- post-hatching periods refer 2012 season, that year, covered entire reproductive period. pre-hatching phase, activity spent brooding, lasts average 43′ morning evening 49′ at midday. large part recording period activities related parental care. There no moments inactivity this parents frequently observed setting up nest preening themselves, while they rarely seen huddled position. alert was also very frequent, especially Our has shown stork, shy cautious species, may return increasing numbers given development promising Lucanian nucleus, if attention paid habitat quality feeding areas, human should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Language: Английский

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Using Shrubs as Nurse-plants to Reduce Browsing and Rubbing Damage by Roe Deer: An Experimental Approach

Journal of Sustainable Forestry, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 41(9), P. 847 - 860

Published: Sept. 20, 2021

We conducted a field experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of neighboring vegetation protect cherry-wood (Prunus avium) saplings against roe deer browsing and rubbing, determine whether this protection varies according attractiveness – physical barrier provided by variety nurse shrubs. Our results show that shrubs may delay rubbing on highly attractive saplings, even in situation high density. The most obstructing at knee shoulder height (Populus x canescens Cytisus scoparius) appeared be efficient barriers, whereas spiny shrub (Elaeagnus angustifolia) did not more efficiently than thornless species. Yet, obstruction less effective when species was itself browsed (Cornus sanguinea Alnus cordata). Since help reduce plantation cleaning through control layer, especially brambles, we argue natural methods using surrounding should represent an economic sustainable alternative artificial saplings.

Language: Английский

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