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Presence of moose (Alces alces) in Southeastern Germany

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Abstract

Germany is situated on the western border of the distribution area of moose (Alces alces) in Europe. In the past, the number of moose sightings has been very limited and irregular in the state of Bavaria (SE Germany). Nearby populations of moose are located in neighboring countries to the east of Germany, in the Czech Republic, and Poland. A monitoring system for moose was established following a considerable increase in moose observations in Bavaria in 2007. As no reproduction has yet been recorded, moose observation has so far been attributed only to migrating individuals. Cows are more often registered than bulls (27 of 35 observations between 2004 and 2008). The reasons for the increase in migratory activities of moose have not yet been identified.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten, Bavarian Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Forestry, Ludwigstr. 2, 80539, Munich, Germany

    Fiona Schönfeld

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  1. Fiona Schönfeld
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Correspondence to Fiona Schönfeld.

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Communicated by W. Lutz

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Schönfeld, F. Presence of moose (Alces alces) in Southeastern Germany. Eur J Wildl Res 55, 449–453 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-009-0272-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-009-0272-5

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