Study supported by the JSC Latvia's State Forests
Analyzing the sorces of scientific literature, the studies tackling the problems relevant for Latvia are selected and 8 biological parameters used for the population assessment defined. These parameters are species diversity, population density, sex-age structure, reproduction status, mortality, huntig statistics, habitat suitability, damages to forestry and agriculture. Defining the threshold values of selected parameters can be particularly difficult and sophisticated due to the extremely complex interaction among factors shaping populations and unpredictable spatial scale of the influences. Therefore, a science-based management system is crucially important and human dimension of management planning should be taken in consideration (stakeholder involvement including hunters, landowners etc.) at local level. Decision generating is suggested at bottom level considering the neighbors’ interests and general goals imposed by governments.
Within bulk of the studied literature, predominated the studies on moose Alces alces 50% followed by the red deer Cervus elaphus 35% and last by the roe deer Capreolus capreolus 15%.
