On 24 February, Krpanov dom in Pivka hosted an expert lecture titled “Declining Roe Deer Numbers in Slovenia: Causes, Consequences and Solutions.” The event was organised by the Wildlife Management Commission of the Postojna–Bistrica Hunting Association and the Pivka Tourism Board. More than 100 hunters and members of the wider public attended, highlighting strong interest in the topic and its relevance for wildlife management and the natural environment.
The lecture was delivered by Prof. Boštjan Pokorny, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Protection and Chair of the Scientific and Professional Council of the Hunting Association of Slovenia. He presented findings based on long-term research experience, field data and comparative analyses from Slovenia and across Europe. The central message was clear: the golden jackal may be an important factor, but it is neither the main nor the only cause of the decline in roe deer numbers. The issue is complex, with interacting drivers that can vary considerably between regions.
As the lecturer emphasised, the situation across Slovenia is not uniform. In some areas, particularly in hunting management districts (LUO) in south-eastern Slovenia (Notranjsko, Primorsko and Zahodnovisokokraško LUO), roe deer offtake has decreased markedly over the past decade, whereas in many parts of north-eastern and central Slovenia it has not changed substantially. This underlines the need for locally tailored interpretation of trends and for measures grounded in verifiable data.
Prof. Pokorny also stressed the importance of cooperation between hunters, scientists and research institutions, and state authorities. Hunters contribute valuable field observations and expertise, but a comprehensive understanding of the drivers behind population decline requires systematic monitoring of wildlife health, reproductive potential, causes of mortality and habitat quality. Modern research approaches such as telemetry, genetic analyses, camera-trap data collection and other advanced technologies play a key role in this process.
The concluding message called for a shift in how population dynamics are understood: long-term responsible management cannot be based solely on the question of “how many were harvested,” but primarily on “how many were born and why they do (or do not) survive.”
More information is available in the report by the Hunting Association of Slovenia, written by Tjaša Žgur: https://www.lovska-zveza.si/2026/02/25/ali-je-kriv-le-sakal-vec-kot-100-lovcev-na-strokovnem-predavanju-o-upadanju-stevilcnosti-srnjadi/