Dynamics and structure of a field roe deer population

Abstract

Kałuziński J., 1982: Dynamics and structure of a field roe deer popula-tion. Acta theriol., 27, 27: 385—408 [With 9 Tables & 10 Figs.l The purpose of these studies was to obtain data on variations in numbers, reproduction, mortality, survival and age and sex structure. The data were collected over a period of 14 years, and using them as a basis a quantitative balance was drawn up for a population living in an agrocenosis. Average density of roe deer was 7 individuals/100 ha, and the number born was 1.9 young per female. Natural mortality among young roe deer was high (56% of the number born) and distinctly influences effective production, the average value for which is 0.8 juv/female. Mortality among adult animals was on an average 21%, varying from 7—51% of the spring numbers from the preceding -year. In years which prove catastrophic for the population about 50°/o of the roe deer die during the first year of life. Average length of life of an individual was 3.5 years. Females predominated over males throughout the whole study period (56:44). Game shooting refered first of all to animals from 0—7 years old from the population, and applies to 89% of males and 84% of females. Population numbers were determined by mortality among young and adult animals and by con-stant game shooting of about 8.1%, and apart from catastrophic years exhibits a tendency to increase. Losses due to game shooting and average natural losses were effectively replenished in the study popu-lation. [Polish Hunting Association, Research Station, 62-055 Czempiń, Polandl