OPTIMAL SELECTIVE HARVESTING OF POPULATIO NS OF HERBIVOROUS MAMMAL EXEMPLIFIED BY MOOSE (ALCES-ALCES)

The optimal selective strategy of harvesting the mammal populations is shown to be determined by a definite value of mortality rate in anima ls, If the natural mortality is higher than this critical value, it is recommended to harvest eyarlings, otherwise - abults, For testing thi s conclusion a mathematical model of moose numbers in the Russian Nort h-West was developed. According to the model it is expedient to harves t adult animals to get maximum biomass, This conclusion is found to be true for other moose populations.