THE POPULATION STATUS OF WILD UNGULATES IN THE AMUR REGION ON THE BASIS OF AERIAL SURVEY 2017

Abstract

In the result of conducted aerial surveys of wild ungulates, we determined main indicators of elk, red deer and roe deer populations in Amur region: areas of their natural concentration, population dynamics and flocking. Roe deer population is dropping significantly, the flocking is decreasing, and it was noted that the species’ migratory activity is fading as well. Red deer population is quite stable and tends to grow, although we found some places with a minimum species’ density, despite the presence of good amount of forage and fine protective conditions on the hunting grounds. A slight increase in the moose population was recorded in all hunting territories included in the survey. The average species density in the zone of registration was 1.5 animals per 1000 hectares, with the long-term average of 0.91 animals per 1000 ha. for these areas. We found that the proportion of females with calves was not high, the state of the population is at the average annual level without a visible tendency to increase in numbers. It should be noted that the population of wild ungulates in Amur region is affected significantly by predators. To maintain its stable indicators, it is necessary to carry out a number of organizational measures to improve the land quality, reproduction in natural habitats in combination with on-going protection against poaching and predator control measures.