Reimoser et al. 1999; Mysterud & Østbye 1999;Völk
1999). In the Cansiglio firwoods, natural conditions are
sufficiently satisfied from the stand structure point of
view, but the same is not true of tree species mixture.
Accessory species, which could constitute an alternative
food supply for ungulates, are missing. Their presence
should be encouraged, not only because a larger
number of these species may reduce the risk of damage,
but also because it is a fundamental requirement for biodiversity.
Moreover, from the biodiversity point of
view, the lack of fir saplings is a cause for concern, because
this species may disappear in the CF in the future.
Deer populations exceed the “silvicultural carrying
capacity” (sensu “cultural carrying capacity”, Hansen
et al. 1997), because forest damage not only affects
wood economy, but also limits silvicultural choices
and, in particular, endangers fir survival, therefore
changing the species mixture (Frelich & Lorimer
1985; Staines 1991; Hope et al. 1996). It seems justified
to promote reduction of deer density in Cansiglio
(Staines 1991; Bobek et al. 1993; Rutberg 1997;
Reimoser 1998; Flueck 2000). Moreover, if natural
ecosystems are a model for forest management, the
same should apply to game management. It should be
remembered that deer population densities are quite
low in virgin forests. In fact, if the food chain is still
complete and efficient, the role of large predators is
determinant (Flueck 2000).
The importance of forest and game management coordination
emerges from this, through reciprocal integration
and continuous exchange of information and
priorities, in order to allow sustainable management of
the forest as a single system. The goal of sustainable
management of ecosystems is, as in the case of the
Cansiglio, of fundamental importance, bearing in mind
all aspects (naturalistic, historical, socio-economical,
cultural) which contribute to the particular value of
this territory