scholarly journals Assessing red deer hunting management in the Iberian Peninsula: the importance of longitudinal studies

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10872
Author(s):  
Antonio José Carpio Camargo ◽  
Jose Barasona ◽  
Pelayo Acevedo ◽  
Yolanda Fierro ◽  
Christian Gortazar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Growth ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Monitoring Data ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystem ◽  
Management Scenarios ◽  
Deer Population ◽  
South Central

Understanding the dynamics of a wildlife population in relation to hunting strategies is essential to achieve sustainable management. We used monitoring data over 25 years from two red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations with different management (with and without supplemental feeding) in South Central Spain to: (i) characterise the density dependence of population dynamics under contrasted management, and (ii) provide the basis for sustainable extraction by considering the theoretical maximum sustainable yield (MSYt) as the reference. The red deer population displayed a typical management reactive culling approach (‘saw-tooth-like’ curves), with occasional strong annual harvests but not occurring on a regular basis. Interestingly, we found reduced population growth at high densities in both populations, indicating that density-mediated factors determined population growth even when artificial feeding was provided. However, no effects of sex not age class of the extracted population on the population growth rate were determined. The total number of animals hunted was only slightly above those predicted by MSYt (i.e. K50%) in both populations, despite high densities close to theoretical K, being consistent throughout the study period. The extraction rates (30.3 and 34.0%, for supplemented and unsupplemented populations, respectively) were 13.3% and 10.2% lower compared to the MSYt situation in the unsupplemented and supplemented populations, respectively. Long term population monitoring data provided feasible and suitable baseline values to optimise the sustainable exploitation of red deer populations in the Mediterranean ecosystem under these contrasting management scenarios. Adaptive management, involving objective-driven decision making informed by data on red deer population dynamic, can contribute (i) to maximising the total extraction over the long term while (ii) reducing the ecological impact of high population densities.

Model gospodarowania populacją jelenia europejskiego Cervus elaphus L. w Wolińskim Parku Narodowym i na Wyspie Wolin

2018 ◽  
Vol XI ◽  
pp. 81-90
Author(s):  
Adam Mohr ◽  
Antoni Przybylski ◽  
Małgorzata Zimnicka – Pluskota ◽  
Damian Spieczyński
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Actual State ◽  
Model Population ◽  
Deer Population ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Age And Sex

The paper presents the current methods of management and environmental conditions of the functioning of red deer population on the Wolin Island. The inventory carried out in 2014 using the drive census method revealed the prevalence of stags in the population (0.86 hinds/1stag) and the population density of 225 individuals/1,000 hectares of the forest, whereas harvest conducted in this season showed merely 22 individuals/1,000 hectares. In the analysed seasons before the inventory, harvest was also low (about 10% of the probable actual state) and despite harvesting mainly hinds, it did not curb the population growth. In the years 2006 – 2014, the yearly harvest in the largest hunting district fluctuated within the range of 14.5 to 60.5, x̅=27.0 individuals/1,000 hectares (n=9), while in the remaining four smaller population management units, the average yearly harvest amounted to only 0.2 to 9.8 individuals/1,000 hectares (n=9). The realized rate of population growth determined by the method of summer deer observation in 2015 amounted to 42.2% of the hinds number. Applying the simulation of the model population meeting the parameters indicated in the inventory, the researchers calculated and proposed the optimal indicators of harvesting individual age and sex groups. The proposed model of hunting monitoring and management assumes optimization of environmental conditions, structure and size of the actual population within the next 10 years.

scholarly journals Effect of wild ungulate density on invertebrates in a Mediterranean ecosystem

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-125
Author(s):  
A. J. Carpio ◽  
◽  
J. Castro–López ◽  
J. Guerrero–Casado ◽  
L. Ruiz–Aizpurua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
High Density ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystem ◽  
Taxon Richness ◽  
Invertebrate Diversity ◽  
South Central

In recent decades, the abundance and distribution of certain big game species, particularly red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa), have increased in south central Spain as a result of hunting management strategies. The high density of these ungulate species may affect the abundance of epigeous invertebrates. We tested the relationships between big game abundance and biodiversity, taxon richness, the biomass of invertebrates and their frequency on nine hunting estates and in comparison to ungulate exclusion areas. Ungulate exclusion itself affected invertebrate richness, since lower values were found in the open plots, whereas the highest differences in invertebrate diversity between fenced and open plots was found in areas with high wild boar density. Where wild boar densities were high, the number of invertebrates decreased, while where they were low, red deer had a positive effect on invertebrate abundance. Fenced plots thus seemed to provide refuge for invertebrates, particularly where wild boar were abundant. This study supports the idea that the structure of fauna communities is damaged by high density populations of ungulates, probably due to decreased food availability owing to overgrazing, modified conditions of ecological microniches and direct predation. However, the effects depended on the group of invertebrates, since saprophytic species could benefit from high ungulate abundance. Our findings reflect the need to control ungulate population density under Mediterranean conditions in south–western Europe and to implement ungulate exclusion plots.

The population of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L., 1758) in Tulcea county (Romania)

2010 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 351-356
Author(s):  
Sorin Geacu
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Forest Land ◽  
The West ◽  
Spreading Area ◽  
Deer Population ◽  
The North ◽  
Natural Expansion ◽  
North Western

The population of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L., 1758) in Tulcea county (Romania) The presence of the Red Deer in the North-western parts of Tulcea County is an example of the natural expansion of a species spreading area. In North Dobrogea, this mammal first occurred only forty years ago. The first specimens were spotted on Cocoşul Hill (on the territory of Niculiţel area) in 1970. Peak numbers (68 individuals) were registered in the spring of 1987. The deer population (67 specimens in 2007) of this county extended along 10 km from West to East and 20 km from North to South over a total of 23,000 ha (55% of which was forest land) in the East of the Măcin Mountains and in the West of the Niculiţel Plateau.

scholarly journals Tracking red deer population size using deterministic cohort analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerio Donini ◽  
Luca Corlatti ◽  
Luca Pedrotti
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Natural Mortality ◽  
Relative Index ◽  
Deer Population ◽  
Monitoring Tools ◽  
Over Time

AbstractReliable and cost-effective monitoring tools to track population size over time are of key importance for wildlife management and conservation. Deterministic cohort analysis may be used to this aim, especially in hunted populations, but it requires that all mortality events are recorded and that individual age at death is known exactly. In this study, we investigated the reliability of cohort analysis as a relative index to track over-time variation in red deer (Cervus elaphus) abundance, in the absence of exact information about natural mortality and age. Visual tooth inspection was used to age 18,390 individuals found dead or hunted between 1982 and 2020 within the Trentino sector of the Stelvio National Park and the Val di Sole hunting district (Central Italian Alps). Temporal trend of reconstructed population size was checked using spring spotlight counts as a benchmark, through the Buishand range test and a linear model. Our results showed a significant and positive relationship between reconstructed population size and spring spotlight counts between 1982 and 2013, suggesting that cohort analysis could reliably track red deer population trend up to 7 years in the past. With a relative error of  +  1.1 (SD  =  1.5) years in the estimation of age, and fairly stable hunting pressure, our results support the use of deterministic cohort analysis as a relative index of abundance for monitoring red deer over time, even in the absence of exact information about natural mortality. Under violation of assumptions, however, the performance of deterministic reconstruction should be carefully inspected at the management scale.

Regulation of aminopeptidases by the renin - angiotensin system: monitoring seasonal variations in red deer and fallow deer from a Mediterranean ecosystem

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 761
Author(s):  
A. Galán-Ocaña ◽  
M. J. Ramírez-Expósito ◽  
J. M. Martínez-Martos ◽  
S. Tellado ◽  
C. Azorit
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Fallow Deer ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystem ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin

The circulating renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is well known for its systemic role in the regulation of blood pressure, renal hemodynamics and fluid homeostasis. However, in mammals several organs also contain a local RAS, including male and female reproductive tissues. In the present study we analysed serum from a free-living population of red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) to determine the activity of four RAS-regulating aminopeptidases (aminopeptidase A, aspartyl aminopeptidase, aminopeptidase N and aminopeptidase B) as part of a study of annual cycles of growth and condition. Our aim was to detect seasonal variations in the activities of these aminopeptidases and their relationship to the reproductive behaviour of both species in a Mediterranean environment. In both males and females there was a maximum peak of activity in autumn. A second peak was detected in spring for males while in females activity was also higher in summer. These changes may be related to a different endocrine status according to their seasonal cycle, the decreased photoperiod in autumn and the normal timing of the seasonal growth cycle. Thus, changes in the activity of RAS-regulating aminopeptidases could reflect the functional role of angiotensins through the annual cycle of both species, also suggesting an important role of these peptide hormones in the regulation of these biological processes.

Winter diet of introduced red deer (Cervus elaphus) in woodland vegetation in Grampians National Park, western Victoria

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathryn Roberts ◽  
Martin Westbrooke ◽  
Singarayer Florentine ◽  
Simon Cook
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
National Park ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Seedling Recruitment ◽  
Deer Population ◽  
Dietary Preferences ◽  
Winter Diet ◽  
Woody Shrubs ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Trees And Shrubs

Although red deer (Cervus elaphus) have the potential to play a major role in influencing the structure and composition of vegetation, little is known about the dietary preferences of red deer in Australia. In the Grampians National Park, Victoria, where there is a large, established red deer population, there has been concern over the condition of woodlands, with lack of perennial seedling recruitment observed. We estimated the diets of 12 red deer using macroscopic sorting techniques. We examined rumen contents of seven male and five female red deer from four woodland Ecological Vegetation Classes, which indicate that they act as intermediate feeders. A wide variety of plants were ingested, with evergreen tree species, small trees and woody shrubs making up a large proportion of the diet, along with grasses. This study found that red deer show significantly different dietary intake due to sex, with females consuming a diet much higher in grasses, while males consume more trees and shrubs. These findings have implications for the management of red deer populations within the park and broader implications for their effects on Australian ecosystems.

scholarly journals Seasonality of Coxiella burnetii among Wild Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the Hyalomma lusitanicum (Acari: Ixodidae) in a Meso-Mediterranean Ecosystem

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
María Sánchez ◽  
Félix Valcárcel ◽  
Julia González ◽  
Marta G. González ◽  
Raquel Martín-Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystem ◽  
Wild Rabbit ◽  
Sylvatic Cycle ◽  
Almost Everywhere ◽  
In The Wild

(1) Background: Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii that have cases reported in humans and animals almost everywhere. The aim of this study was to describe the seasonality of Coxiella burnetii in the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the tick Hyalomma lusitanicum in a meso-Mediterranean ecosystem. (2) Methods: two populations of wild rabbits that differ in whether or not they share habitat with ungulates, mainly red deer (Cervus elaphus) were sampled for a year to collect ticks, blood and vaginal or anal swabs. Presence of C. burnetii DNA in swabs and the tick H. lusitanicum was determined by PCR and serum antibodies by ELISA. (3) Results: C. burnetii DNA was detected in 47.2% of 583 rabbits, in 65.5% of sera, and in more than half of the H. lusitanicum. There were small variations according to sex and age of the rabbits but significant according to the habitat (4) Conclusions: The results indicate that C. burnetii circulates freely between wild rabbits and H. lusitanicum and the sylvatic cycle in meso-Mediterranean environments relies in the presence of wild rabbits and H. lusitanicum above all if sharing habitat with red deer.

scholarly journals Wolf reintroduction to Scotland: public attitudes and consequences for red deer management

2007 ◽  
Vol 274 (1612) ◽  
pp. 995-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erlend B Nilsen ◽  
E.J Milner-Gulland ◽  
Lee Schofield ◽  
Atle Mysterud ◽  
Nils Chr Stenseth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Communities ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Scottish Highlands ◽  
Predator Prey Model ◽  
Rural And Urban

Reintroductions are important tools for the conservation of individual species, but recently more attention has been paid to the restoration of ecosystem function, and to the importance of carrying out a full risk assessment prior to any reintroduction programme. In much of the Highlands of Scotland, wolves ( Canis lupus ) were eradicated by 1769, but there are currently proposals for them to be reintroduced. Their main wild prey if reintroduced would be red deer ( Cervus elaphus ). Red deer are themselves a contentious component of the Scottish landscape. They support a trophy hunting industry but are thought to be close to carrying capacity, and are believed to have a considerable economic and ecological impact. High deer densities hamper attempts to reforest, reduce bird densities and compete with livestock for grazing. Here, we examine the probable consequences for the red deer population of reintroducing wolves into the Scottish Highlands using a structured Markov predator–prey model. Our simulations suggest that reintroducing wolves is likely to generate conservation benefits by lowering deer densities. It would also free deer estates from the financial burden of costly hind culls, which are required in order to achieve the Deer Commission for Scotland's target deer densities. However, a reintroduced wolf population would also carry costs, particularly through increased livestock mortality. We investigated perceptions of the costs and benefits of wolf reintroductions among rural and urban communities in Scotland and found that the public are generally positive to the idea. Farmers hold more negative attitudes, but far less negative than the organizations that represent them.

scholarly journals Contrasting feeding patterns of native red deer and two exotic ungulates in a Mediterranean ecosystem

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Miranda ◽  
Marisa Sicilia ◽  
Jordi Bartolomé ◽  
Eduarda Molina-Alcaide ◽  
Lucía Gálvez-Bravo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Foraging Strategies ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystem ◽  
Large Herbivores ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Foraging Preferences ◽  
Iberian Red Deer

Context Ungulates have been widely introduced in multiple ecosystems throughout the world due to their value as food and for sport hunting. The identification of foraging preferences of exotic and native ungulates living in sympatry is, therefore, becoming increasingly important in order to assess potential impacts of introduced animals on the host ecosystem. Aims To describe species-specific foraging strategies and infer resource selection overlap between native and exotic ungulates. Methods We compared the trophic ecology of three sympatric ungulate species living in a Mediterranean landscape: the native Iberian red deer Cervus elaphus hispanicus, and two exotic bovids, the European mouflon Ovis orientalis musimon and the aoudad Ammotragus lervia. We simultaneously determined herbivore diet through analyses of botanical content in faeces and assessed the nutritional content of these diets. Key results Higher selection of shrubs by deer was sustained throughout the year, while bovids showed seasonal shifts in forage selection. Both bovids displayed a selective dietary strategy directed towards a higher overall nutritional quality than that of deer. Divergent exploitation patterns between the studied cervid and bovids might be related to body mass and physiological adaptations to overcome secondary defence compounds of shrubs, and were largely affected by seasonal changes in the nutritional value of available vegetation. Ecological theory suggests that diet overlap should be greater between similar-sized species. Indeed, both exotics showed similar, sometimes overlapping, dietary patterns that could lead to potential competition in the use of resources. Native red deer preferences only showed some overlap with those of exotic mouflon under constrained summer conditions. Conclusions Dietary overlap between deer and mouflon and between aoudad and mouflon during limiting summer conditions could entail a potential competitive interaction under more even densities of the study species, since a concurrent habitat overlap between those pairs of species has previously been reported. Implications The outcomes of our study suggest the need for an integration of habitat and ungulate management. Management actions in Mediterranean rangelands should be directed towards protecting habitat conditions so that biodiversity is enhanced along with the presence of sustainable communities of large herbivores. Management directed towards ungulates should maintain moderate stocking rates and monitor and control introduced and native populations.

scholarly journals A long-term survey of Fascioloides magna in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Slovakia (Danube floodplain forests) during the period of 2005 – 2015

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Bazsalovicsová ◽  
M. Špakulová ◽  
L’. Juhásová ◽  
Š. Miholics ◽  
D. Rajský ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Liver Fluke ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Floodplain Forests ◽  
Fascioloides Magna ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
Giant Liver Fluke ◽  
Ongoing Monitoring ◽  
Long Term Survey

Summary Fascioloidosis of wild and domestic ruminants is caused by giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna (Trematoda; Fasciolidae). In Slovakia, the parasite is present in the Danube floodplain forests permanent focus for almost 30 years. Here we provide data on 11-year survey of F. magna acquired from 137 red deer (Cervus elaphus) hunted in the southwestern hunting grounds (districts Komárno and Dunajská Streda). Almost 47 % of all examined deer, including males, females and fawns, were infected with F. magna. During the studied period, the prevalence ranged between 33.3 % (2009) and 63.6 % (2007). Prevalence of fascioloidosis varied between sexes and age categories; while the lowest overall prevalence was detected in females (33.3 %), higher values were documented for red deer males (50.6 %) and fawns (43.3 %). A presence of giant liver fluke in studied regions of southwestern Slovakia deserves future attention and ongoing monitoring due to a possible threat of F. magna infection of domestic ruminants in overlapping regions.

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