Roe-deer habitat suitability and predisposition of forest to browsing damage in its dependence on forest growth—Model sensitivity in an alpine forest region

A habitat suitability model for roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) including indices of forest predisposition to browsing damage was tested in an alpine forest region dominated by spruce (Picea abies). A description of the habitat model is presented. Eleven input parameters were weighted and aggregated to the habitat indices hiding cover, thermal cover, lounge index and food supply. These indices are basis for the overall habitat quality and predisposition to browsing damage scores. The sensitivity of the model to the input parameters total ground vegetation, ground vegetation without grass, woody ground vegetation, share of forest regeneration, total crown projection, crown projection of deciduous trees, wildlife ecological stand type, edge density, mesorelief, altitude, and aspect was tested. The model was most sensitive to the parameters (i) abundance of total ground vegetation without grass, (ii) abundance of woody ground vegetation, (iii) wildlife ecological stand type, and (iv) mesorelief. Total abundance of ground vegetation and aspect affected sensitivity least. A trade-off index for habitat quality versus predisposition to browsing damage showed most sensitivity to food supply and least to edge effect. The habitat model is linked with a forest growth model and therefore allows long-term predictions of habitat and browsing predisposition changes in dependence on different silvicultural treatments. Consequences in terms of wildlife and forest management are discussed.