Habitats in the Karst have been changing so profoundly in the last century that marked variations in the presence of some animal species have been observed. In the majority of cases, they are the consequence of the forestation in the middle of the 19th century; the ensuing spontaneous overgrowing of landscape; and changed socio-economic circumstances. The dynamics of fluctuations in the numbers of red deer, European roe deer, wild boar, European hare, grey partridge and rock partridge in the last century was estimated on the basis of statistical data on the taking. The data for the area of 1,000 hectares was calculated and compared to the level of overgrowing. The analysis showed that the number of species dependent on extensive farming and open landscapes have fallen as a result of overgrowth. Besides, large game has started to inhabit the recently planted forests. Smallgame that used to prevail in the area is almost extinct today. On the other hand, red deer, European roe deer and wild boar populations and their habitats have increased.
|
