Uszkodzenia upraw leśnych i rolnych przez zwierzynę - przyczyny powstawania oraz sposoby przeciwdziałania

The main reasons for the increase in the pressure of animals on forest and agricultural crops include the dominance of females in many populations of wild boars and deer. Its consequence is a greater increase in the number of young and then an increase in the number of these animals. Another reason is the decreasing area of open and semi-open areas in forests, and thus the lower availability of herbaceous vegetation. It is an important food for animals, especially during the vegetation period. Therefore, its deficit causes animals to feed more often on agricultural crops. Additionally, the pressure of animals increases in those regions of the country where there is a large share of large-field crops, especially maize. They are attractive feeding grounds, but also places to repose. As a result, wild boars and deer often stay in agricultural areas both during the day and at night. This allows for an increase in the condition and fertility of these animals. As a result, it leads to a further increase in their numbers and an escalation of the problem of damage. The article – based on literature and own experience, presents proven in practice, but not always known or applied, methods of reducing damage in agricultural areas and forests. Today, it is necessary not only to control the numbers of game animals, but also to change the use of the environment by humans. This applies to hunters, farmers and foresters, but also to those social groups for whom forests and fields are a place of recreation. Damage caused there by herbivores in fields and forests, as well as conflicts with animals in cities, have become a social problem.