Laube Patrick
Eigenschaften von Deckungsräumen des Rehs (Capreolus capreolus) in Bezug auf unterschiedliche Störungsereignisse
Project Number: CH-5786
| Project Type: |
Bachelor |
| Project Duration: |
04/01/2015 - 11/30/2015 project completed |
| Funding Source: |
other , |
| Leading Institution: |
Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, ZHAW Wädenswil |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. Patrick Laube
Life Sciences and Facility Management
ZHAW
Grüental
8820 Wädenswil
Phone: +41 (0) 58 934 55 71
e-Mail: patrick.laube(at)zhaw.ch
|
Research Areas:
Disciplines:
Abstract:
Within the scope of the project „Wildlife and Humans in recreational areas” the spatial reactions of 15 roe deer on human disturbance were investigated. The disturbance was induced by recreational activities (mountain biking, orienteering events, hunting, and off-trail intrusion into roe deer habitat). Recreational activities have both of their traits, as well as by their spatio-temporal variability, varying degrees of effects on wildlife. This variability leads to heterogeneous impacts on the habitat of the animal and causes a so called landscape of fear. The aims of the present study were on one hand to verify and measure the human influences and on the other hand to contribute to the insight on the nature of the human-induced landscape of fear. A particular focus was laid on the physical and biological traits of cover roe deer sought after disturbance.
Therefore I have developed a method which, based on movement patterns and flight strategies of roe deer, determines the location of roe deer cover. The inquiry of the predefined physical and biological parameter took place on site, as well as on reference sites. The spatial reactions of the roe deer and the detection of potential shifts in movement patterns following the day after big rec- reational events were conducted computer based. All parameters were statistically analyzed regarding the type of activity and concerning the landscape of fear.
The results show that roe deer strongly prefer thick and poorly visible vegetation structure when choosing concealment cover. Particularly noticeable is therein the European spruce, which is able to provide good concealment cover even in the vegetationless time of the year. Regarding the spa- tial choice for cover the roe deer show an obvious shunning of the roads and paths. In order to ensure that the roe deer has enough retreat of anthropogenic recreational activity, well-structured heterogeneous forests and little off-trail activity are necessary. In respect of the landscape of fear the preference for thick concealment cover was particularly strong in home ranges with a generally high basic level of disturbance or during big events such as orienteering events or battues. Such events involve spacious activity, which takes place mainly off-trail. Owing to this fact, such events should be limited to only a few occasions. Roe deer show the strongest spatial reactions on direct approaches and on off-trail intrusion into their habitat. Thus, these findings again support the re- striction of human activity to roads to the greatest possible extends. Short-term changes in the movement patterns following the day after big events could not be ascertained; however there are several studies which suggest an influence on the long-term spatial use of ungulates due to disturbance.
The present study contributes to a better understanding of the influences of human recreational activities on roe deer and gives indications on the future management of heavily frequented recrea- tional areas. Further investigation, particularly on long-term impacts on movement patterns and spatial habitat use of roe deer are absolutely necessary.
Publications:
Sigrist, B. (2015). Eigenschaften von Deckungsräumen des Rehs (Capreolus capreolus) in Bezug auf unterschiedliche Störungsereignisse. Bachelorarbeit, Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften ZHAW, Wädenswil
pdf Bachelorthesis
Last update: 7/18/17
Source of data: ProClim- Research InfoSystem (1993-2024)
Update the data of project: CH-5786
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