Population status, biology and ecology of the Maral, Cervus elaphus maral, in Golestan National Park, Iran

Abstract

Abstract. The habitat and population characteristics of the Maral, Cervus elaphus maral Gray, 1850, were studied in Golestan National Park, Iran, from 1975 to 2003 (but more intensively from 1976 in the three vegetation types present; Caspian deciduous forest, transition zone, and steppe. Forest meadows and the transition zone were the preferred habitats. Hahn's census method and pellet group counts gave a population number of 1897 -2096 Marals during 1976 Since then the population size has declined, to 500 in 2003. The average Maral group size was 4.6. The sex ratio among adults was 27 stags per 100 hinds. The number of calves produced per 100 hinds was 28. The annual mortality rate was 13.9% and life expectancy was 6.7 years. The decline of the Maral population in Golestan National Park was correlated with a similar trend in the Maral population in the Caspian forest (Hyrcanian region). Illegal hunting, road kill and livestock grazing have been identified as the major factors which affect the Maral population adversely. Tiere. Die durchschnittliche Gruppengröße betrug 4.6; das Geschlechterverhältnis betrug bei Alttieren 27 männlichen Hirschen zu 100 Hirschkühen. Die Anzahl der Kälber pro 100 Hirschkühe betrug 28, die jährliche Mortalität 13,9% und die durchschnittliche Lebenserwartung 6,7 Jahre. Die Entwicklung der Population im Golestan-Nationalpark korreliert mit einem fast gleichen Trend, der bei der Rotwildpopulation in den Kaspischen Wäldern (Hercynische Region) zu beobachten ist. Illegale Jagd, Verkehrsopfer und Beweidung durch Haustiere wurden als die wichtigsten Faktoren erkannt, die die Rotwildpopulation negativ beeinflussen