La gestion démographique du gibier et des animaux nuisibles dans les domaines royaux de chasse en Piémont au XVIII^e siècle

In the XVII and XVIII centuries the plain between the river Pô and the torrent nameil Cervo functioned as an extensive game-reserve, Only the Princes of Savoy were allowed to make use of it, either for hunting and shooting. The red deer was the Sovereigns' favourite game; every hunting season about twenty individuals were taken off. The deer were fed in winter and they were defended from poachers by the "Dragoni guardacaccia". The menagement of the major game, such as the deer, partridges and pheasants - many of which were bred at the pheasant-house - also needed in those days protection from predators. Eventually, the tame dogs of private citizens were prevented from moving freely in the royal game-reserve: they had to were a stick fastened to their collar, long enough to prevent them from pursuing the game.