Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

Introduction. Research on the occurrence and biology of Impatiens parviflora DC in the Wigry National Park has been conducted for many years. The impact of this invasive species on the elements of the habitat and soil properties is being investigated, and in recent years research works have been aimed at determining the environmental pressure on this species. It is possible that the population of I. parviflora may be limited by
biotic factors, such as pests or pathogenic fungi as well as deer.
Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to determine and analyse the feeding of deer in the patches of I. parviflora in the Wigry National Park, as well as conduct the mycological analysis of damaged plant tissues.
Material and methods. The research was carried out on 25 research plots located in the Wigry National Park. The degree of nibbling on small balsam by deer was assessed with the use of thermal imaging cameras, while a mycological analysis of the tissues damaged by the animals was performed.
Results and conclusions. I. parviflora is nibbled on by deer and may be one of the elements of its food base in coniferous habitats. It is the first reported and confirmed case in the literature. These may be considered as preliminary observations and will continue to be conducted on a larger scale. During the mycological analysis of plant wound sites, a total of 7 fungal taxa were isolated. The fungus Alternaria alternata was most common with an almost 80% share. The fungus Fusarium sambucinum had a lower share, accounting for over 5% of the isolated fungi. The other genera and species of fungi each accounted for about 3% share of the total.