Management of selected wild animals in forest ecosystems of Slovakia

Methodology for quantification of spatial vulnerability of forest trees by game damages will be suggested in the model area on the base of complex evaluation of natural and site conditions. Basic forest survey parameters will be analysed as indicators of potential tree vulnerability, and methodical principles for their use in classification of forest stands into given degree of vulnerability by game. Possibilities of growing up the main commercial tree species in relation to used preventive measure will be also considered. Submitted project presents also effort to solve problems of damages caused by small terrestrial mammals, in relation to their population density, tree species and age as well as microhabitat structure of the site. Results obtained from foraging preference analysis will be considered as a tool for estimating effectivity and potential of owls in biological protection of forest stands against damages caused by small rodents.