According to the results of game counts conducted by hunters, the numbers of elk, roe deer, wild boar and beaver have increased last year while the number of wolf has decreased. The numbers of red deer, brown bear and lynx have remained at the earlier level. In 2001, the number of elk was estimated at 10,000; in spring 2002 at 10,500. The number of roe deer had increased from 33,000 in 2001 to some 35,000 in 2002; the number of wild boar from 12,000 to 13,000; the number of beaver from 14,000 to 16,000. The number of red deer has remained stable at 1300; lynx - 900; brown bear - 600. The number of wolf decreased from 190 in 2001 to 170 in 2002. According to Mr. Kaarel Roht, Chief Specialist on Hunting of the Forestry Department of the Ministry of the Environment, increase in the numbers of ungulates could primarily be explained by the decrease of wolf number. "While wolf numbers decrease, the numbers of ungulates increase. Besides, the food situation of the game has been favourable," said Roht. According to Mr. Roht, hunting data indicate that the hunters have paid attention to the hunting of problematic species. The number of hunted raccoon dogs exceeded the earlier number by 1500; for fox - by 800, for beaver and wild boar - by a thousand specimens each. The reduction of wolf number can according to Mr. Roht be explainedby hunting on the one hand, on the other by reduction of wolves immigrating to Estonia from the neighbouring countries as their numbers in neighbouring areas are also in the phase of decrease. For additional information please contact: Mr. Kaarel Roht |
