Interactions between a population of fallow deer (Dama dama), humans and crops in a managed composite temperate landscape in southern Sweden: Conflict or opportunity?

摘要: Landscapes composed of agricultural land mixed with forest are desirable since they provide a wide range diversified ecosystem services, unlike specialized landscapes, but that creates trade-off between these uses wildlife usually feed on crops and reduce yields. In Nordic countries, where human population density is low game hunting can be viable economic alternative, landscape systems particularly interesting. To evaluate the sustainability such we need to quantify damage crops. One important species, being popular among Swedish hunters therefore economically valuable, fallow deer (Dama dama). Our objective was including cultivated fields commercial deer. We studied effects excluding by using 86 exclosures adjacent plots in winter wheat oat south-west Sweden. analyzed yield losses interactions spatial temporal grazing patterns, anthropogenic features, topological characteristics landscape. found animals avoided exposed spots, irrespective distance from activity. also seasonal pattern related different growing periods (more grazed, emerging autumn) spring (less spring). then compared costs crop against value hunting. The amounted 375 ±196 € ha-1 for 152 ±138 oat, corresponding total cost per animal 82.7 ±81.0 €, while each had an estimated market approximately 100 €. Therefore presence compensated associated damage. Profit could further improved this case adopting additional management strategies. general our study confirmed feasibility particular management.