Monitoring and evaluation of adaptive game management Drongengoed

In 2020-2021, INBO was commissioned by ANB (Nature and Forest) to produce a preparatory report for the drawing up of a wildlife management plan at Drongengoed: 'Basic report for the scientific substantiation of management choices for big game in the Drongengoed'. Caesar J. et al, 2021.

Fallow deer have been present in the Drongengoed for several years and their population continues to increase. The roe deer population is also on the rise. The roe deer and fallow deer population there is currently too high and leads to damage on many levels. Ecologically, grazing is causing a lack of forest rejuvenation and forest expansion. This is at the expense of European nature objectives in this area for forest.
The Nature Agency (ANB) aims to find a balance between maintaining the populations of both species and their positive impact (e.g. on open vegetation), and limiting the negative impact on the Drongengoed and its immediate surroundings.

Using a science-based approach, management objectives and measures were identified, as well as the potential impacts of the different options. To follow up, evaluate and adjust adaptive impact management, well-founded monitoring is crucial. Indeed, in line with the basic principles of adaptive impact management, management must go hand in hand with monitoring of efforts and their results. The results of this monitoring should allow the existing knowledge gaps to be eliminated over time and the management to be evaluated and, if necessary, optimised.

INBO will develop a monitoring proposal. Depending on the outcome of this report, the scope will also be worked out in more detail. After confirming the elaborated vision on game management in the area, all necessary steps still have to be taken to start up the management and associated monitoring.