Red Deer Population Dynamics in Hungary:Management Statistics Versus Modeling

Abstract

Red deer (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus L.) are the most important big game species in Hungary. During the last decades, their population and harvest have continuously increased, and the principles of red deer management have been strongly debated. This chapter describes a simple method for estimating red deer population size and dynamics on the basis of the available management data (spring census, harvest, recruitment, and mortality). A simulation for the period 1969 to 1989 has suggested a population size 40% to 60% greater than the annually reported spring population data. Spring population sizes are seen only as indices of the population trend. As a consequence of this underestimation, the red deer population in Hungary is underharvested, and game managers (hunters) have failed to stop population growth. The population increase and the deer-related forest damage can be reduced by increasing the cull of hinds and calves. Furthermore, for developing an appropriate and effective red deer management strategy, more reliable population estimates and monitoring of reproduction and natural mortality are essential.