2023

Sylwan

Rocznik: 2023 | Tom: 167 | Numer: 3

artykuł naukowy

angielski

EN Spatial distribution and habitat preferences of wisents (European bison) Bison bonasus (Linnaeus 1758), were studied in Białowieska Primeval Forest (north−eastern Poland) composed of 94% broadleaved and mixed tree stands, on the basis of telemetric data obtained from 11 individuals (4 males and 7 females). Data was collected between 2012−2015 within the area of over 98 thousand ha. A majority of records for both sexes’ presence was from the forested area, regardless of the season, compared to open areas (forest meadows, openings and agriculture neighbouring the forest). Outside of the forest in vegetative seasons, 36% of presence records of males and 26% of females were registered, and respectively about 39% and 41% in winter. This confirms the importance of an access to open areas for this species. Considering the availability of both types of habitats within home ranges occupied by wisents, the non−forest category was generally preferred over the forest; however, those differences were the highest regarding the data on MCP area (the value of Ivlev’s index 0.64), but were the lowest for the area representing concentrated use (kernel 50%) of a habitat. Regarding forest habitats, wisents selected against broadleaved stands but selected towards riparian vegetation. Although this species is not territorial, the degree of overlap between home ranges of particular mixed groups (consisting of cows, youngsters and calves) was very low. Data obtained in this study reveals patterns of the spatial structure of this wisent population, the oldest in the world, and therefore truly well established in its environment, free ranging population of this species. Hence, the data for this population on trends in habitat selection may be a credible basis for the evaluation of habitat suitability of sites either already inhabited by this species or being considered for its future reintroductions and be useful in further management of its free ranging populations.

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10.26202/sylwan.2023013

https://sylwan-journal.pl/apex/f?p=sylwan:10:::NO::P10_NAZWA_PLIKU,P10_ARTYKUL,P10_ZESZYT_NEW:13769981534575228/2023_03_174au.pdf,2023013,2023_3

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