abstract
During four months in the winter period of 2002–2003, a census of four species of hoofed animals
(red deer, sika deer, roe deer, and musk deer) was conducted in the study areas of the Sikhote-Alin
Reserve and the surrounding area, including the territory of the planned Reserve Tavayza. The census
was conducted on a monthly basis at two sites in the pine and broadleaved forest (nature Reserve
and surrounding area) and at three sites in the oak and broadleaved forest. A total of 40
counts were made. Five fieldworkers were working at each site for two days. During the first day,
the fieldworkers counted daily hoof prints and removed them. During the second day, newly
appearing hoof prints were counted. In addition to the usual counting of crossings of hoofed animals,
the number of individual animals was counted, as well. Thus, the census was conducted by two
methods: counting of hoof prints in the tracks and counting of individual animals in a certain area.
The results of these surveys were organized into a database which shows the relative density of
hoofed animals (number of crossings of hoof prints per 10 km of the route) and absolute density
of hoofed animals (number of individuals per km2
). The analysis of absolute density of hoofed
animals in different habitats and its correlation with the number of hoof prints per 10 km was
performed.
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