Trends in Habitat Use between Sympatric Sika Deer and Japanese Serow as Revealed by Camera Traps

Abstract

In response to severe vegetation degradation caused by sika deer in Japan, it is important to understand the habitat use trends of the sika deer and sympatric Japanese serows to promote the management and conservation of both species and their habitats. This study used camera traps to examine the trends of habitat use of the two sympatric ungulates in the Kuraiyama Experimental Forest (KEF) at Gifu University. We set camera traps at 20 sites and evaluated the number of individuals photographed for three years. Additionally, we surveyed several environmental factors around the camera trap sites to determine the relationship between species prevalence and habitat features. Both species were photographed at all sites, and some habitat use trends were observed. The deer used the west side of the valley, whereas the serows used the east, with clearer trends further observed in summer. Both ungulates avoided snow cover in winter and used steeper slopes and ridges in several seasons. With the current increase in the deer population, niche overlap between the two species may occur in the common place preferred by both species; therefore, careful monitoring of their relationships and their changes should be continued in the future.