Game breeding in the territory of forest-steppe and steppe zones of Ukraine (by the example of Poltava and Zaporizhzhia Regions)

The paper clarifies the term of game breeding. Its aim and objectives are identified. Basing on the identified objectives, the game breeding directions are determined. Historical cases of implementing game breeding measures in the former USSR, Great Britain, Hungary and Bulgaria are given. The current situation with the number dynamics of main species of game fauna and national hunting resources in general is described for the territory of Poltava and Zaporizhzhia regions according to the data of state statistics reports (form “2-tp hunting”). Results of the implemented measures on the settlement, catching to resettle and building of nurseries (open air cages) for keeping animals under semi-natural conditions in the territory of Poltava and Zaporizhzhia regions are analyzed. Characteristics of the study area are given, namely the description of physical-geographical conditions of Poltava and Zaporizhzhia regions. The forest hunting zones encompassing the hunting lands of the above-mentioned regions are identified. Distribution of hunting lands of Poltava and Zaporizhzhia regions are analyzed per users of the hunting lands with different forms of property in absolute values (ha) and percentages. The last five-year results of settlement and catching of game animals and birds to resettle within Poltava and Zaporizhzhia regions are evaluated. In addition, efficiency of the game breeding measures, implemented by users of hunting lands, is assessed in terms of different forms of property. Information on availability of open air cages to keep game animals and birds under semi-natural conditions, their specialization and distribution among hunting farms of different forms of property is given. Measures for the acclimatization and introduction of game animals as well as their results within the territory of Poltava and Zaporizhzhia regions are analyzed. Problems of sustainable use of national hunting resources are raised.