Capercaillie monitoring is an important tool for observing changes in boreal forest ecosystems, but introduction of a hunting ban in the Slovenian Alps has highlighted certain problems

Miran Čas (2008) Capercaillie monitoring is an important tool for observing changes in boreal forest ecosystems, but introduction of a hunting ban in the Slovenian Alps has highlighted certain problems. Grouse news : newsletter of the Grouse Specialist Group (35). pp. 16-20. ISSN Y503-2083

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Abstract

In the light of changes in land use and natural forest structures within the habitats of capercaillie and other grouse species within their European distribution range over the last four decades, we have investigated the permanent decline in population densities of these species and their gradual disappearance along the latitudinal and altitudinal boundaries of their ranges. Regional differences in forest and hunting management systems and in the interpretation and application of the multipurpose use of forest ecosystems in diverse landscapes throughout Europe, results in variations in the degree to which the natural forest biodiversity is preserved. Capercaillie is classified as one of the key species for biodiversity control in maintaining multipurpose conatural forest management in boreal and mountain forests of mixed coniferous trees: It has been recognized as an indicator species for primary or secondary forests with natural form and structure and as an indicator of various levels of biodiversity and conservation need. Capercaillie distribution and population density monitoring is used as the main tool for monitoring the species’ forest ecosystems, together with landscapes changes and habitat suitability (e.g. Eiberle 1984; Wegge 1985; Rolstad and Wegge 1987, 1989; Schroth 1995; Beškarev et al. 1995; Čas 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, Storch 1999, 2002, 2007, Klaus et al. 1997, Čas and Adamič 1998, Angelstam 1999, 2004; Angelstam and Lazdinus 2000; Mikusinski et al. 2001, Angelstam and Čas 2002; Perco 2002, Sjoberg and Ahlen 2002, Spidso et al. 2002, Sachot et al. 2003, 2006, Saniga 2004, Pakkala et al. 2003, Suter et al. 2002, Menoni et al. 2002, Kutnar et al. 2005, Roberg and Angelstam 2006, Duriez et al. 2007). Analyses of hunting statistics can only be used as general tools for monitoring the species’ population dynamics in countries with hunting in optimal parts of its range, or in countries where the species is endangered and where no data is available on monitoring about endangerment and no protection laws.

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