Impact of red deer (Cervus elaphus) on forage crops in a protected area

摘要: Abstract During the last decades in Italy red deer (Cervus elaphus) density has locally reached very high values, with consequent serious problems due to interaction human activities, especially protected areas. This study aims at quantifying impact of on herbaceous crops for forage production a area Northern Italy, that been recently colonized by this species. To aim, 14 exclusion enclosures maize destined whole plant silage and 24 (not grazed, NG) permanent meadows were established. For each these sample plots (2 × 2 m), an adjacent control plot identical surface was established, freely available (grazed, G). Maize harvested September, whereas three grass cuts (May, July August) biomass weighed. Grass samples collected, both NG G plots, chemical analysis. Red number monthly estimated night counts along fixed paths, using spotlights. The analysis distribution allowed distinction between two areas: High Density (HD: area, lower disturbance, abundance sheltered areas 14–30 heads/km2) Low (LD: Central Southern areas, 0–1.6 heads/km2). percentage damage significantly higher HD than LD (83.3 vs 12.5%, respectively; P  composition meadow forages showed only slight differences (CP NDF content plots). results obtained indicate economic activity farmers, particularly term losses (with € 20,000/farm/year), suggest appropriate management strategies, such as fencing risk, are highly advisable.