Abstract

Topic: Moose management and monitoring

Latvian moose population - facing the unknown

Gundega Done¹, Mārcis Saklaurs², Kristaps Blūms¹

Department of Wildlife management, LSFRI "Silava", Salaspils, Latvia
Nature Institute of Excellence, Salacgrīvas parish, Latvia and Department of Forest tree breeding and climate change, LSFRI "Silava", Salaspils, Latvia

The Latvian moose population is part of the Baltic States, as well as the Northern European moose population, but historically, it has been united with the eastern neighbors of our country as well. Due to changes in the geopolitical situation in Europe, which result in the construction of permanent and fundamental fences, moose movements are affected and, consequently, the distribution area of this species. The large population size and density estimate has created conflict situations with the forest sector. The highest ever estimate of the moose population size in Latvia was in 2021 - 24 thousand animals, respectively. In 2024 - 18 thousand animals. The size of the moose population has tended to decrease in recent years, which is the result of targeted activities - intensive calf and cow hunting, with an average of 2,650 calves and 2,050 cows being hunted during the hunting season, which accounts for up to 40% and 29% of all hunted animals. At the same time, there is a high hunting pressure on the male part of the population - and specifically on middle-aged bulls, whose hunting volume is on average 40% of all bulls hunted, which in general does not allow these animals to reach their maximum age and promotes strong gene transfer to the new generation. To ensure a sustainable population, which includes a balanced sex-age ratio, as well as balanced coexistence with other economically important sectors, as well as taking into account physical barriers that limit the movement of animals, adaptive population management is necessary