Some Aspects of Evaluation the Influence of Region and Forest Level Landscape Structure on the Moose (Alces alces L.) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) Distribution

• Main Authors: Pėtelis, Kęstutis, Brazaitis, Gediminas, Žalkauskas, Remigijus
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Moose; Red Deer; Landscape structure; MSPA; Partial RDA; Tree model; Alces alces
• Online Access: http://asu.lvb.lt/ASU:ELABAPDB2759295&prefLang=en_US

The main task of this paper was to explore some aspects for landscape structure evaluation in order to determine various indicators of landscape structure what might influence the Moose and Red Deer distribution. GiS technologies, Morphological Spalial Pattern Analysis were used to derive landscape structure indicators in cervine animals districts. Partial Redundancy analysis, tree model analysis were used to verify the relation of region and forest level landscape structure indicators with the Moose and Red Dear density in cervine animals districts. Results showed what the Red Dear is sensitive to forest edges, ecological loops and bridges. The Moose prefer connected large forest complexes with core area. The Moose is more sensitive to forest level landscape structure: share of deciduous forests, open ureas inside forest, upland bogs. For Red Dear is a more important transition zone of forest- field ecosystems. Application of different data analysis methods (redundancy analysis with covariables; tree model) enabled to emphasis results what could not be seen just from one analysis method. Combination of AreGIS and Guidos software should be applied in landscape monitoring, landscape planning, evaluation of possible impact of planning solutions to landscape recourses, formation of Nature framework. Indicators derived by Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) implemented in GUIDOS quite pood reflect preferences of the Moose and Red Deer on landscape structure.