Coordinated use of hunting facilities at Capercaillie lekking sites

Wildlife supplementary feeding can cause local increase in wildlife densities. Large numbers of animals present at lekking sites can be disturbing for the Western Capercaillie and nest depredation is more likely to occur (e.g. wild boar is a well known predator of ground nests).  As part of the LIFE Kočevsko project, use of hunting facilities (hides, puddles, salt blocks etc.) in recorded lekking sites within national hunting ground areas is being reviewed and adapted.

A database of all hunting facilities in these areas was established (42 objects on 1794 ha defined as central lekking sites). Use of the facilities has been discussed with national hunting ground representatives and agreements have been reached either to remove the facilities or to adapt their use.

Communication and cooperation between project representatives, hunters and foresters are extremely important to establish favorable conservation status for the Western Capercaillie in Kočevsko area and have been  excellent throughout the procedure.

Novico pripravili sodelavci Zavoda za gozdove Slovenije, OE Kočevje