MONITORING OF MOOSE-FOREST INTERACTIONS IN ESTONIA AS A TOOL FOR GAME MANAGEMENT DECISIONS

• Main Authors: Tõnisson, Jüri, Randveer, Tiit
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Lakehead University 2003
• Subjects: Alces alces
• Online Access: http://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/489

This paper reviews several big fluctuations in moose (Alces alces) numbers and related problems in Estonia during the last century. The biggest conflict appeared during the period 1960 – 1980, when the moose population achieved its highest density. The result of the overpopulation of moose was extensive forest damage. The establishment of a monitoring system and its acceptance by game management authorities at the beginning of the 1990s contributed to the improvement of the situation. The monitoring includes both the estimation of moose population parameters and estimation of moose influence on forest regeneration. Current moose numbers match the optimal population level outlined in the Estonian Environmental Strategy, approximately 10,000 animals, and forest damage has decreased.