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).