Assessing the influence of ruminating ungulates on forest regeneration and young stands in Slovakia: results from the National Forest Inventory

Abstract Our analyses utilized data from the latest National Forest Inventory conducted in Slovak forests in 2015–2016. Specifically, we included data on approximately 21,737 trees grown on forest land and 3,342 trees on non-forest land, all with a height of up to 1.3 meters. Browsing emerged as the second most frequent limiting factor for regeneration on forest land, following light deficiency, whereas on non-forest land, it ranked third after ground vegetation and light deficiency. Our results revealed the highest browsing rates on goat willow (47.8%), silver fir (39.3%), and rowan (35.1%). Conversely, certain commercial tree species exhibited relatively low browsing rates, notably Norway spruce (13.9%), European beech (8.1%), and oaks (6.2%). Among abiotic factors, exposition and slope were found to be significant, the south aspect was associated with the highest browsing rates, while browsing rates decreased with increasing slope steepness. Planted trees were more frequently browsed than those of natural origin. At the same time, higher trees (height between 0.5 m and 1.3 m) were browsed more frequently than small trees (under 0.5 m). Furthermore, significant differences in browsing frequency were observed among specific territories (hunting sub-regions), with the heaviest browsing occurring in the southwestern and northeastern parts of Slovakia, as well as in the Rimavská Sobota district. Given that reducing browsing pressure primarily relies on hunting activities, which are outside the forestry sector, close collaboration between foresters and hunters is essential. Additionally, hunting strategies in the near future must consider also the needs of other sectors such as forestry, agriculture, and nature conservation.