Foot morphology and distribution of Sika deer in relation to snow depth in Japan

Abstract

AbstractThe distribution of Sika deer (Cervus nippon) on Japanese islands is biased toward, the east where there is less snow. To explain this biased distribution in relation to snow, the foot morphology of Sika deer was measured. Hoof load was greatest in male adults (0.78 kg cm−2) and smallest in fawns (c 0.43 kg cm−2). The values were similar to those for white‐tailed deer, and were smaller than those for snow‐adapted species like caribou and chamois. Foreleg length was c. 50 cm and 60 cm, and hind feet (lower half) length was c. 40 cm and 45 cm for fawns and adult deer, respectively. Chest heights were c. 45 cm and 53 cm for fawns and adults, respectively. These figures suggest that areas where snow accumulates deeper than 50 cm are not favorable as a Sika deer habitat. The present distribution of Sika deer is clearly related to snow depth: they are mostly concentrated in the ‘preferable area’ of <50 cm of snow, some of them can live in the ‘habitable area’ of 50–100 cm of snow, and they rarely live in the ‘inhabitable area’ of >100 cm of snow.