Journal article

Publication year: 1988

Pages: 105-114

Journal: Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaft

Volume number: 34

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 0044-2887

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02241907

Publisher: Springer Verlag

Abstract: 
In the winter sport area Monschau in the West-Eifel the effects of cross coutry skiing on red deer are under investigation. The success of the introduced measures to reduce the recreational pressure on the winter quarters of the red deer is determined by comparing the winter 1980/81 when the first cross country ski trails were laid out to the winter of 1986/87. The pressure on the living space of the red deer is determined on the basis of a map of all ski trails (Figs. 1, 2). The red deer showed considerable individual variations in their reactions to the skiers. Experienced lead animals as well as an intact social organization (herd) are essential for the adaptability to disturbances in their habitat. Through the coordination of all human activities within the game habitats, it was possible to greatly reduce the pressure due to skiing on the living space of the red deer. The disturbance free areas within the habitats could be increased from 4% in 1981 (Fig. 1) to 25% or 50% of total area in 1987 (Fig. 2), so that on the whole a suitable compromise was found between the legitimate demands of the skiers and adequate living conditions for the free living game animals. The tested measures to reduce the pressure on wildlife habitat include the following: -consideration of the location of the winter quarters of the red deer when laying out new ski trails -changes in the trail layout to avoid deer winter quarters -in exceptional cases, the relocation of winter feeding areas -the avoidance of conspicuous tracks by distributing feed on foot -the periodical closing of certain forest areas -by and large the prohibiting of all hunting in the closed areas -when possible, the fulfilling of hunting quotas before the opening of the ski season -the cessation of ski patrols off established trails -pushing snow from forest roads only to the minimum amount necessary -the provision of qualitatively and quantitatively attractive ski trails including comprehensive public relations work.

Harvard Citation style: PETRAK, M. (1988) CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND RED DEER (CERVUS-ELAPHUS LINNE, 1758) IN THE EIFEL, Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaft, 34(2), pp. 105-114. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02241907

APA Citation style: PETRAK, M. (1988). CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND RED DEER (CERVUS-ELAPHUS LINNE, 1758) IN THE EIFEL. Zeitschrift für Jagdwissenschaft. 34(2), 105-114. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02241907