Sika deer in Scotland: density, population size, habitat use and fertility - some comparisons with red deer

Citation

Chadwick AH, Ratcliffe PR & Abernethy K (1996) Sika deer in Scotland: density, population size, habitat use and fertility - some comparisons with red deer. Scottish Forestry, 50 (1), pp. 8-16.

Abstract
Densities of Sika deer (Cervus nippon) resident in Scottish forests were commonly between 4 and 20 km-2 although densities in the region of 35 km-2 were encountered locally in thicket stage forest. Densities were similar to those of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in all forest stages except pre-felling, where Sika attained higher densities (c. 11 km-2). Sika deer spent more time close to the edge of concealing habitats and were more circumspect in their behaviour when feeding than red deer. The population of Sika deer in South Scotland was estimated by cohort analysis and population simulation to be in the region of 500 to 600 in 1990. It was one of the most fertile populations in Scotland and could sustain a cull in the region of 25% per annum, compared with around 20% for Scottish woodland red deer. Sika deer were more fertile than red deer, in all age classes.

Journal
Scottish Forestry: Volume 50, Issue 1

People

Professor Katharine Abernethy

Professor, Biological and Environmental Sciences