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Hunting

Forests are inhabited by about 60% of all 618 species of vertebrate living in Poland. Development of civilization has upset the ancient equilibrium and rules that govern forest ecosystems, which also affects the life of forest animals. This is why their number, welfare and activities aimed at preventing damage caused by animals are regulated by Polish and EU law.

Forests of Szprotawa Forest District are inhabited by many animals – mammals and birds. The most important big game species living in the forests are Deer, Roe Deer and Wild Boar. In recent years observations made by local foresters suggest that there are about 400 Deer, 2050 Roe Deer and 900 Wild Boars in the Forest District. The group of large predators has been joined by wolves that live in the area of Lower Silesian Wilderness.

There are also 15 small game species, including 6 most common and numerous species. The most numerous species living within Szprotawa Forest District are Hare and Fox, but there are also Badgers, Martens, Raccoon Dogs, Polecats and Muskrats.

Deer is a typical representative of big game. By Mateusz Kozdęba

Szprotawa Forest District consists of 10 hunting circuits managed by 9 hunts. One hunting circuit is excluded from leasing and it is managed by the Forest District Inspectorate. It is used for the purposes of Animal Breeding Centre. All hunts and Animal Breeding Centre are responsible for the execution of hunting economy, protection of game and management of their resources.


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Forests of our Forest District

Forests of our Forest District

Szprotawa Forest District Inspectorate includes two Sub-districts – Szprotawa and Małomice – and manages a total area of over 19 000 ha. Its share of forested areas is only 28.2% making it the lowest ratio in the entire Regional Directorate of the State Forests in Zielona Góra. Forests managed by the Inspectorate include forests maintained for industrial purposes, protected forests and reserves.

Landscape of the Forest District is very heterogeneous.The area of Szprotawa Sub-district and the southern part of Małomice Sub-district is quite monochromatic, whereas the northern part of Małomice Sub-district is known for its undulating landscape (end moraine) at places turning into hills.

Geological structure

The Forest District is located within the area of Middle Polish Glaciation, in Mazovia-Podlasie Stadial.It is dominated by geological deposits originating from the Tertiary and the Quaternary, such as:fluvioglacial sands and gravels, river sands and gravels and boulder clay and sand.

Types of forest habitats

Forest habitats of the Forest District consist mainly of mixed and coniferous forests, with a small share of riparian forests and alder forests.Pine is the most common tree and the entire forest ecosystem consists in 60% of this species.The second most common species is Oak followed by Alder.

Plants and animals

Forests of Szprotawa Forest District are home to a variety of plant and animal species, including those under strict and partial protection.There are over 20 protected plant and lichen species in the District, including:Common Cottongrass, Common Toothwort, Marsh Gentian, Purple Foxglove, Yellow Iris, Stiff Clubmoss or Usnea Filipendula.

Forests of Szprotawa Forest District are inhabited by many protected animal species. By Jerzy Wilanowski.

Mammal species includeWild Boar, Roe Deer, Deer, Fox, Raccoon Dog, Badger, Marten and Hare.Forests of Szprotawa Forest District are also inhabited by rare invertebrate species, including 9 species included on the Polish Red List of Animals.The species are:Medicinal Leech, Great Capricorn Beetle and Lucanus Cervus.

Apart from the protected invertebrate species there is a large number of amphibian and reptile species.The most interesting species includeViviparous Lizard, Smooth Snake and European Tree Frog.

Birds inhabiting the district also include many rare and endangered species:Black Stork, Whooper Swan, Wood Sandpiper, Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Boreal Owl and the pride of the District – White-tailed Eagle.

White-tailed Eagle hunting. By Bergringfoto/Fotolia

Szprotawa Forest District on the map.