Camera trap surveys can reveal the dynamics of deer “hotspots” in Ireland.

Abstract

Systematic camera trap surveys are important for gathering information on terrestrial wildlife. Such surveys reveal distributions, abundances, and behaviours that can inform conservation and wildlife management by providing evidence of animal presence at known locations and times. However, in Ireland, international-standard camera trap surveys have not been undertaken to inform the management of large terrestrial wildlife. Through participation in a continent-wide initiative (Snapshot Europe) with a shared methodology, we undertook Ireland’s first systematic camera trap survey for large mammals over a two-month period in 2021 in a known deer “hotspot” - central Wicklow, Ireland. We captured eight wild mammal species from 19 forest camera trap sites. Sika (Cervus nippon) or sika-red deer hybrids (Cervus nippon × Cervuselaphus) were detected at all sites and comprised 92% of all independent camera trap events of wild mammals. Sika (and hybrid) events occurred at an average rate of 1.1 events per site per day. Females were more often detected than males (male:female = 1:1.42). We also noted that most females were not accompanied by juveniles (female:juvenile = 1:0.31). Overall, we demonstrate the efficacy of even this exploratory survey for revealing wildlife dynamics and generating data for science-informed management and conservation. We recommend that further surveys should be carried out across Ireland to achieve minimum international standards for monitoring terrestrial wildlife.