Management of wetland habitats in Biebrza National Park in the context of maintaining favourable conservation status

Abstract

The protection of wetlands encompasses traditional, extensive human management practices, including mowing and grazing. This study analyses the seasonal patterns of space use and habitat selection of semi-feral Konik horses in the Biebrza National Park over a one-year period. Based on 1,351 GPS location fixes, home (95%) and core ranges (50%) were estimated using kernel density methods, and habitat selection was assessed with Jacobs’ index in relation to habitat availability. The horses utilised approximately 620 ha, with marked seasonal variation in range size. Home and core ranges were smallest in summer, when food availability was highest, and largest in winter. Regardless of season, the mid-forest grasslands located on dunes constituted the core of the utilised area and were consistently selected throughout the year. Fen meadows were used more intensively in autumn and spring, particularly following mowing. Forest habitats, although frequently visited, were avoided relative to their availability. Habitat use also varied diurnally, with grasslands on dunes being used more frequently during the morning and midday, while meadows were visited more often later in the day. Results demonstrate that vegetation dynamics and land management practices influence the spatial behaviour of semi-feral horses. Extensive grazing by Konik horses may support the maintenance of open wetland habitats and contribute to land management in river valley wetlands.