The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is experiencing an increase in ungulate populations and a consistently high number of predators. These conclusions were drawn from recent winter route surveys.
The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is experiencing an increase in ungulate populations and a consistently high number of predators. These conclusions were drawn from recent winter route surveys.
Winter route surveys, during which the number of animals in the reserve (ungulates, predators, hares, martens, squirrels) are counted, were conducted in mid-February. "Based on the survey results, we can say that the populations of ungulates, including elk, red deer, and roe deer, have increased. The roe deer population has even doubled compared to last year, reaching over 100 individuals. Consequently, the number of predators, primarily wolves whose main prey is roe deer, has also increased. The wolf population in our reserve is consistently high every year; this time, our staff counted around 40 individuals," specified Anastasia Ryzhkova.
In addition, the institution's staff note a general trend towards an increase in the number of ungulates residing within the reserve's territory. While last year saw an increase in the red deer population, this year it is three species of animals. The result is attributed to favourable natural conditions for population growth.
"Hunting is absent in the reserve, which is also a factor favourably influencing the population size and condition. The ungulate populations are regulated by predators (wolves, lynx, bears), meaning nature itself takes care of it," added Anastasia Ryzhkova. "We conduct biotechnological measures at a minimal level. Animal feeding is carried out only near the observation tower, mainly attracting red deer and roe deer. Salt licks for mineral supplementation are specifically installed not far from major roads, so that animals do not go onto the road itself for the salt used to treat the road surface. This helps minimise animal fatalities due to road accidents."
The reserve is renowned for its "big European five" large mammals – elk, European bison, brown bear, wolf, and lynx. As for the bears, their numbergradually increasing. Today, the protected area is home to over 70 bears. During winter route surveys, several of their tracks were noted, indicating the animals' awakening after hibernation (facilitated by the February thaw). Approximately 20 lynx individuals share the reserve's territory (each with its own hunting ground). These red-listed predators are solitary by nature.
The number of European bison is also constantly growing. "At the end of 2022, we received 15 individuals from the Osipovichi forestry: three males and 12 females. Last year, two bison calves were born. They are currently in fields with winter crops, and in the summer, they will move to the protected forests," noted Anastasia Ryzhkova.
In total, the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is inhabited by 58 species of mammals, 245 species of birds, 11 species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles, 34 species of fish, and almost 6,000 species of invertebrates in the wild.-0-