Landscape of semi-wild large herbivores in the specially protected nature territories of Latvia

Agnese Reke

University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences

Anita Zarina

University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences

Solvita Rusina

University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences

DOI: 10.22364/fg.17.8

Keywords: semi-wild large herbivores, grazing animal landscape, introduction, re-wilding, natural grazing

Abstract

Semi-wild large herbivores have been present in the Latvian landscape now for just on 20 years. Nevertheless, the available information about the already implemented introduction projects is scattered and fragmentary. The aim of this paper is to outline and discuss the landscape of semi-wild animal grazing projects in the specially protected nature territories (SPNT) throughout Latvia, focusing on the project implementation contexts, locational factors and current management issues. The results of this study show that grazing areas of semi-wild herbivores are located mainly in nature parks and nature reserves. The typical location for the establishment of a grazing site is a former agricultural land area that has been abandoned by its previous users due to unsuitable conditions for profitable agricultural activity and which is located close to a natural waterbody. The main goal for all of the analyzed introduction projects was the restoration and protection of open landscape and grassland habitats. According to the research results, at present, the main problem regarding grazing sites of semi-wild large herbivores, is the existing policy framework. This study raises many questions about the future of semi-wild herbivores in Latvia and these should be addressed in further in-depth studies.