Analysis of structure and effects of wild herbivore overgrazing on Kouri forest, Magnesia (Natura 2000 site)
A study concerning the forest structure and grazing effects of three introduced wild herbivores on a plain oak forest in Kouri, Almyros, Magnesia was conducted. The introduced species were: mouflon (Ovis ammon), fallow deer (Dama dama) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). The forest overstorey consisted mainly of Quercus pubescens whereas Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis was present. The grazed part of the forest, 70 ha, is fenced and the ungrazed one covers an area of 30 Ha. Herbivore density reached at 157 animals per 100 ha and after a reduction dropped to 74 animals per 100 ha. In the ungrazed part oak trees had greater diameter and crown size than those in the grazed part. Tree density was higher in the grazed part, whereas the mean tree height was similar in both parts. In the ungrazed part the trees were more vigorous and the regeneration rate was higher than in the grazed part. In the understorey Asphodelus microcarpus and Stipa bromoides were the dominant species. Heavy grazing resulted in expansion of these two species. In order to avoid further deterioration of the forest, removal of all animals or reduction of stocking intensity at the carrying capacity level and -*specified management actions promoting the oak regeneration were proposed.
Bird fauna diversity and distribution compare in Special Protected Area grasslands in Menikio and Holomontas Mountain.
Species diversity and distribution of bird fauna were investigated at the Special Protected Areas in Menikio and Holomontas mountainous areas, in Northern Greece, exceeding 300 km2 each. Bird fauna was recorded with the method of line transects and the description of the areas was carried out with the assistance of GPS, vegetation, land cover/use and altitude maps, during spring and summer 2000- 2004. Diversity of the 79/409 bird directive species has no significantly different between the two study areas. Some bird species had different distribution when we consider the land use and the human presence. Human presence also was a factor of great importance in the distribution of bird species, especially in Menikio mountain.
Research on the hunting of brown hare (Lepus europaeus in the county of Evros, Greece
Βrown hare (L. europaeus) hunting procedure was evaluated using information and observations given by hunters. The data were collected with specifically designed questionnairy. The target group was the active hunters of the Evros county, during the hunting period 2003-2004. A total of 149 questionnaires were collected. Hunting is usually taking place by groups of hunters and not individually, and 71,14% go for hunting three times the week. Finally, a large percentage of hunters (38,61 %) believe that the conservation can be achieved mainly by eliminating the natural enemies and 25,32 % believes that conservation can be achieved with warden protection.. The results of this research and the statistical evidence that were found, are considered valuable resources for the conservation of the species and the implementation of sustainable hunting in Greece.
Comparative diet of goats, sheep and brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in a typical Mediterranean rangeland in northern Greece
Diet overlap between livestock (goats and sheep) and brown hare was estimated in a typical Mediterranean rangeland in central Macedonia, using the method of microhistological analysis of faeces. It was also investigated if grazing intensity by livestock influenced diet composition of hare. It was found that diet overlap between livestock and hare was very small and thus, food competition between livestock and hare was very weak. No significant differences were found on diet composition of hare between sites of different grazing intensity, mainly because of the similarity of vegetation composition between the treatments. Conclusively, common use of rangelands by livestock and hare is feasible, when stocking rates do not exceed grazing capacity.
Mapping of distribution and spatial analysis of brown hare habitat (Lepus europaeus) in Thessaly
The brown hare (Lepus europaeus) is a mammal species with wide distribution in Greece. Although the species in Europe is common, in Greece, despite the plans applied by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food, its population is decreasing. In the present study, which was part of a wider research programme investigating the population ecology and brown hare habitats in Thessaly, the distribution of brown hare in Thessaly was examined. Combining field work, satellite data and Geographical Information Systems, this study estimated and mapped hare population density, and correlated population data with habitat types and land uses of the study area. From the spatial analysis it was concluded that, although the species was present all over Thessaly, most of its distribution had low population density. Only four sites had medium population density. Mapping the hare distribution revealed that forests and shrublands with openings were vital habitats for the species in central Greece.
