Results of Monitoring at Olkiluoto in 2006 - Environment (pdf) - Posiva

392018Catch, individuals1614121086MooseWhite-tailed deerRoe deerAmerican minkRaccoon dogRed foxBadgerBrown hare & Mountain hare4202002 2003 2004 2005 2006Figure 29. Catches of mammals on Olkiluoto Island.The hunting season varies with respect to the game animals and the data are presentedaccording to these hunting seasons, and not calendar years. The main points to be notedconcerning the catches and populations of game are as follows:CervidsOn Olkiluoto, the home ranges of moose are smaller than on the mainland, where theytypically are 5-10 km 2 . On Olkiluoto, the home ranges overlap with other individuals'home ranges. There is also migration from the coastal area to wintering areas on themainland. On Olkiluoto, most of the forests are ideal habitats for white-tailed deer andthe population density is much higher than average in southern Finland; in fact, it isincreasing. Only one roe deer was brought down in 2006, while, in 2005, the number ofcatches was five to ten. The hunting of roe deer has not been regulated since 2005,which creates uncertainty in the figures. The population on Olkiluoto (and generally inFinland) has grown in recent years. In the winter of 2005-2006, the population size wasabout 15-20 individuals, and there has been at least four road killings within a singleyear.Predators of Small MammalsThe populations of small mammal predators (American mink, raccoon dog, red fox)were smaller than last year. In Olkiluoto, the home ranges of red foxes probably overlapwidely, and foxes move freely to and from the mainland. The red fox population mayhave grown on Olkiluoto. In 2002, two red fox dens were reported, but there have beenno reported observations later.