Site index prediction models for Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were developed using Norwegian National Forest Inventory data. A number of multiple linear regression models with different combinations of site and climate variables were developed in order to facilitate their application to a range of situations where the accessibility of various explanatory data differs. The best models used year of stand origin, temperature sum, vegetation type groups, soil depth, aspect, slope and latitude to predict site index. These models explained a large part of the total variation ( = 0.86 and 0.72 for spruce and pine, respectively) and had little residual variation (RMSE = 2.04 and 1.95 m for spruce and pine, respectively). Alternative models using only year of stand origin, temperature sum and vegetation type groups, or soil depth in addition, had slightly lower but still useful predictive power. All the developed models exhibited a strong non-linear effect of the year of stand origin on site indices, which varied when temperature sum was included. The increase in site indices along with increasing year of stand origin was significantly faster after about 1940 for both species. Similar time trends were observed for mean temperature and precipitation sums for the periods of stand growth, but only exhibited a faster increase after about 1960. Even though increased temperature and precipitation after 1990 seem to contribute to increased site indices, increased nitrogen availability and atmospheric CO₂ levels may also be important factors.

Wildlife attacks on people in and around protected areas have become one of the main challenges for wildlife management authorities. We assessed all correlates of wildlife attacks during 2003–2013 in the vicinity of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. We used data from various sources (discussion with stakeholders, field observations, questionnaire surveys). Wildlife attacks were significantly correlated to factors such as site, season and time, activity, gender and awareness. Moreover, 89% of recorded attacks occurred outside the Park. The number of attacks fluctuated widely and patterns of attacks were significantly uneven across seasons and months. Of the 87% of attacks that occurred during the day, 63% occurred in the morning. Most victims were male and c. 45% of attacks occurred when people were collecting forest resources or working on croplands. Attacks were carried out predominantly by rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis (38%), tigers Panthera tigris (21%), sloth bears Melursus ursinus (18%), elephants Elephas maximus (9%) and wild boar Sus scrofa (8%). The people attacked lived close to the Park, depended on farming for their livelihoods, and had little knowledge of animal behaviour. Attacks can be mitigated through proper management of habitats inside the Park and raising awareness of wildlife behaviour among local people. We recommend establishing a participatory emergency rescue team to deal with problematic animals in high-risk areas.