The current distribution of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in southern Latin America

Abstract

Spread of exotic species into natural areas is a major component of global change, drawing attention to economic losses, ecological impacts, plus potential benefits to be gained from a novel resource. Red deer,Cervus elaphus, known to effectively naturalize in new environments is considered one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species. Negative ecological impact has been described for both Chile and Argentina, and competition with native ungulates like guanaco,Lama guanicoe, or the Patagonian huemul,Hippocamelus bisulcus, has been suggested. This report provides the current distribution of red deer in Chile and Argentina with respect to habitat types to permit informed decisions to manage the invasion. Information on the distribution was gathered through interviews, literature and field confirmations. Digital maps were used to analyze habitat use and estimate sizes of occupied areas. Red deer were introduced 50,000 km2. The current distribution involves 29% forest habitat, 57% Patagonian steppe habitat and 14% of non-forested habitat such as wet meadows, brush and grasslands of anthropogenic origin, and vegetation above the tree line. Habitat characteristics and lack of natural and anthropogenic barriers suggest that the invasion will continue unabated, thereby continuously increasing the geographical area occupied by red deer. This will have direct consequences for the native biodiversity and conservation efforts.