Derkach,
V., H. Gerasimchuk, V. Loyko, P. Khoyetskyy. 2023. Habitats
and diet of the European bison in the Tsumanska Pushcha
National Nature Park (Ukraine). Theriologia Ukrainica,
25: 164–172. [In Ukrainian, with English
summary]
title |
Habitats
and diet of the European bison in the Tsumanska
Pushcha National Nature Park (Ukraine)
|
author(s) |
Vitalii Derkach, Halyna Herasimchuk,
Volodymyr Loyko,
Pavlo Khoyetskyy (orcid: 0000-0001-9726-953X) |
affiliation |
1 National Nature Park
"Tsumanska Pushcha" (Kivertsi, Ukraine);
2 Ukrainian National Forestry University (Lviv,
Ukraine) |
bibliography |
Theriologia Ukrainica.
2023. Vol. 25: 164–172. |
DOI |
http://doi.org/10.53452/TU2513 |
|
|
language |
Ukrainian, with English summary,
titles of tables, captures to figs |
abstract |
The conservation
and restoration of the bison (Bison bonasus L.)
is one of the fundamental issues of international
importance in the Tsumanska Pushcha National Nature
Park, Ukraine. The distribution of bison in the
territory of the park and adjacent areas is associated
with the specific requirements of the species regarding
food and protective properties of the terrain. In
spring, with the beginning of the growing season,
the grass cover is thin and the amount of food is
insufficient, so bison prefer swampy biotopes. In
March–April, birch–alder and aspen–birch–alder stands
provide optimal feeding conditions for the animals.
Within the territory of spring distribution of bison,
the biotopes they inhabit are represented by wet
and fairly fertile sites (types C3 and C4,), as
well as moist and fairly infertile pine site (type
B3). Biotopes these animals inhabit during the spring–summer
period (March–August) cover an area of about 1640
hectares, of which 350 hectares are within the national
park, and the rest are part of the territory of
the Muravyschensky and Sokyrychivsk forests of the
Kivertsi Forestry State Enterprise. The territory
of the forest districts is characterised by a mosaic
structure of stands, alternating areas of broad-leaved
and coniferous species, wetlands and grass glades
with good feeding conditions for the animals. The
animals have adapted to almost all types of forest
biotopes. During the entire growing season, the
trophic activity of bison is particulary high in
pastures, forest clearings, and swampy meadows adjacent
to woodlands. The main bison biotopes are located
at a large distance from human settlements and characterised
by poorly developed road network, low level of disturbance,
and favourable living conditions. The current size
of the bison population in the national park is
21 individuals, and the presence of calves and young
animals is a sign of favourable conditions and positive
population dynamics that may lead to further increase
in the future. In order to minimise the impact of
negative factors, relevant measures should be implemented
to maintain the stability of the subpopulation,
to protect the habitats of the animals, and to conduct
active educational and informational activities
in the park. The technologies of forest felling,
harvesting of minor forestry products, and other
forestry works must include elements aimed at preventing
negative effects on bison. |
keywords |
Bison bonasus, biotope,
seasonal patterns, growing season, forest stands,
meadow complexes |
|
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