Increase in the moose (Alces alces L. 1758) population size in Poland: causes and consequences

Increase in the moose (Alces alces L. 1758) population size in Poland: causes and consequences. The aim of the study was to characterise the determinants of the moose (Alces alces) population size in Poland, taking into account the methods for assessment thereof as well as animals’ habitat preference and behaviour, and to identify problems associated with the increased population size in this species. The study presents threats posed by the overpopulation in these animals not only to their living habitat but also to the species itself. The process of habituation, which results in changes in the behaviour of freeliving animals, may play an important role. It is ad visable that steps should be taken to maintain healthy populations of moose on the one hand and mitigate the adverse effects of overpopulation in this species on the other hand. There is a need for a reliable method for making inventories of the species and resumption of the regulation of moose density by culling.