Cast Antlers Research Articles

Genetic protocols for DNA extraction from white-tailed deer cast antlers to confirm individuality

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are the most sought-after deer species in America. The antlers of mammals, such as deer, are one of the fastest regenerative tissues in the world and are grown and naturally cast every year. Research on cast antlers have been used for a variety of purposes including population comparisons and impacts of deer health due to climatic stressors. When investigating cast antlers, it is important to confirm individuality of match sets in addition to antlers of the same individual between years. Therefore, individuality must be confirmed genetically, and protocols must be developed and established to do so. Our objectives were to 1) establish a genetic protocol to harvest DNA from cast antlers using connective tissue, and 2) determine individuality from subsequent years and match sets. When fresh antlers are cast, they leave behind a viable connective tissue from which DNA can be extracted. The DNA was successfully extracted from the skin rings harvested from naturally cast antlers. This study developed viable methods to confirm individuality, which aid researchers and wildlife biologists in a better understanding of the white-tailed deer herd as they set management goals and harvest regulations.

Ultrasound speed in red deer antlers: a non–invasive correlate of density and a potential index of relative qualit

Deer antlers can be used as an index of individual performance both in ecological and productive contexts. Their quality is often measured only by their biometrical features, such as size, asymmetry or weight. Mechanic characteristics cannot normally be measured without destroying the antler and hence losing the commercial value of the trophies. Here, we studied ultrasonic velocities, density, and tensile strength across various sections of cast antlers of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus). We found that the speed value depended on the section of the antler and the propagation direction. For antler sections, velocities were lowest for mid–beam and highest for brow tine. Results were similar for density and indirect tensile strength, probably related to differences in functionality among antler sections. Density explained most of the variability of ultrasound–speed. The time elapsed from antler shed affected density more than ultrasound speed. The indirect tensile strength showed a non–linear, decelerating relationship with ultrasound speed. We discuss the applications of ultrasound speed as a non–invasive tool to measure density and physical properties of antlers and antler sections, and their potential use as an index of quality.

Asynchronous breeding in red brocket deer (Mazama americana): seasonal changes in male reproductive characteristics, seminal parameters, androgen levels, and antler cycle

The red brocket deer is the largest species in the genus Mazama and one of the most abundant and widely distributed cervid in the Neotropics. Yet it has been classified as data deficient by the IUCN, and the limited knowledge on its reproductive biology indicates that red brocket bucks do not possess an annual antler cycle and are capable of breeding during antler casting and growth. Here, in parallel to antler cycle, we investigated seasonal changes in morphometric (body weight, neck and chest girth, and testicular volume), endocrine [plasma testosterone and fecal androgen metabolites (FAM) levels] and seminal (total sperm count and sperm motility index) parameters from captive adult red brocket bucks collected on a quarterly basis over a 1-year period. Two out of six males kept hard antlers year-round, three cast antlers from winter to spring, and one carried velvet antlers for longer than 6 months. No clear seasonal patterns of variation in gross morphometry, seminal traits, and hormonal levels were found, and mean values of all collected parameters did not show differences among seasons. Body weight was positively correlated with most morphometric measurements and seminal parameters, while chest girth was positively correlated with neck girth, testicular volume, and total sperm count. Neither androgen levels (both plasma testosterone and FAM) nor hard antler phase correlated with seminal characteristics. Our findings support that red brocket bucks not only exhibit aseasonal and asynchronous antler cycles, but also maintain their secondary sexual characteristics and semen quality unchanged over the year. This apparent lack of photoperiodic stimuli for controlling reproduction along with an absence of relationship between seminal parameters and antler status might make red brockets unique in terms of reproductive biology among deer species.

Effects of extreme environmental conditions on white‐tailed deer antlers

ABSTRACTAntler size and morphology is the resultant combination of deer age, nutrition, and genetics. Additionally, extreme environmental conditions can affect deer health, which may influence current and future antler metrics. Throughout the antler development season of 2012, the Nebraska, USA, white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herd experienced a combination of extreme environmental conditions including extreme drought and disease, which we hypothesized would negatively affect antler size and morphology. Our objectives were to evaluate whether 1) age‐specific antler metrics differed between deer stressed by an extreme environmental condition year compared with nonextreme condition years, and 2) subsequent age‐specific antler metrics of a cohort born during an extreme environmental condition year differed from those born during nonextreme condition years. We measured antler metrics on harvested white‐tailed deer from central Nebraska for an 8‐year period (2009–2016) that spanned the extreme environmental condition year. Over this same time period, we measured pedicle seal depth on naturally cast antlers. Some trends were apparent for specific antler metrics in particular age groups; but, overall, antler metrics measured from harvested deer were not consistently affected during the extreme environmental condition year. Conversely, pedicle seal depths responded to environmental stressors and were smaller during the extreme environmental condition year compared with nonextreme condition years. We found effects to persist for years following extreme environmental stress—antler metrics of the extreme environmental condition cohort were smaller compared with nonextreme years. These results suggest that stressors caused by extreme environmental conditions can affect deer health and be indexed using sensitive metrics taken on cast antlers. Furthermore, effects on antler metrics can persist, affecting subsequent antler expression for cohorts that experience extreme environmental conditions during their first year of life. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.

Use of cast antlers to assess antler size variation in red deer populations: effects of mast seeding, climate and population features in Mediterranean environments

AbstractFundamental understanding of the factors influencing cervid antler size, development and investment has been traditionally drawn from harvest data. However, depending on the hunting tactic, harvest data may not represent a random sample of the population leading to possible inferential biases. Cast antlers may represent an alternative, cost‐effective and non‐invasive method. We used 4756 red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) cast antlers collected during a 10‐year period to evaluate the relationship between annual antler gross score and three key environmental components that determine habitat quality and resource availability in Mediterranean systems: (1) population traits (density and male age structure), (2) acorn yield and (3) a proxy of plant productivity [Real Bioclimatic Index(RBI)]. Population traits and acorn yield were measured before antler formation (autumn/winter) whereas RBI was calculated before (autumn/winter) and during (spring) antler formation. Population traits explained the highest amount of variance in antler score, followed by acorn yield and spring RBI, while no effect was found for autumn/winter RBI. Antler gross score was negatively related to population density but positively associated with acorn yield, spring RBI and male age structure. Interestingly, a significant interaction between population traits and acorn yield suggests a disproportional effect of population traits on antler size during non‐mast years (poor acorn crops), whereas no significant population effect was observed during mast years. Similarly, we found a positive effect of spring RBI on antlers when density was medium or low and/or age structure was balanced or older. These findings have important ecological implications in environments with high inter‐annual resources variability where high population densities lead to strong intraspecific competition during years of low food availability (e.g. during non‐mast years or drier springs), producing large antler size variation. Finally, although cast antlers reflect changes in environmental conditions we do not recommend their use unless reliable data on age structure is available.

Morphology, chemical composition, mechanical properties and structure in antler of Sardinian Red Deer (Cervus elaphus corsicanus).

The deer population present in Sardinia and Corsica represents an endemic subspecies Cervus elaphus corsicanus . We describe for the first time the characteristics of cast antlers of Sardinian red deer from the forest complex Sette Fratelli, south-east part of the island. Moreover, we describe the material mechanical properties, the structural ones, and the mineral profile of antlers from adults, comparing them with the antler characteristics of the subspecies C. e. hispanicus examined exactly with the same methodology. Sixty-one deer casted antlers were collected and classified as belonging to adults (35) or sub-adults (26). A first part of the study described the common features of the antlers of sub-species C. e. corsicanus through the analysis of morphology in all deer antlers. Subsequently, a more detailed study used 12 adult deer antlers for a destructive analysis. Statistical comparisons were conducted using ANOVAs between characteristics of the two age subgroups, and using Pearson´s correlation coefficients between the antlers morphological variables. In general, morphological antler measures had greater values in adults than in sub-adults. In comparison with Iberian deer, Sardinian adult antlers have a more simple structure with lower values in morphological features, mechanical properties and structural characteristics.

Barium concentration in cast roe deer antlers related to air pollution caused by burning of barium-enriched coals in southern Poland.

Concentrations of Ba, Zn, Pb, Fe, and Mn were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy in freshly cast antlers from male roe deer of different ages (2 to 4 years old and older than 4 years) collected in Balin near Chrzanów and in the vicinity of Żywiec, S Poland. Barium content ranged from 124 to 196 ppm (mean 165 ppm) in the Balin 12 samples and from 207 to 351 ppm (mean 287 ppm) in 3 antlers from Żywiec. The concentration of Ba was comparable to that of Zn (134–275 ppm, mean 169 ppm). Elevated concentrations of Ba in antlers most probably originated from direct uptake of airborne barite nanocrystals through the respiratory system and/or by digestion of barite-rich dust particles deposited on plants. Burning of Ba-enriched coals is regarded as the principal source of Ba in the investigated areas inhabited by roe deer. Increased concentrations of Ba in antlers from the Żywiec area compared to Balin reflect particularly high air pollution caused by coal-burning mostly for domestic purposes combined with an unfavorable topography that impedes efficient air circulation.

Evaluation of Hunter Antler-Size Selection through an Age-Specific Comparison of Harvested and Naturally Cast Antler Metrics

Abstract Deer antler metrics have been used to index the physical condition of deer populations, but those sampled at deer-check stations may not be representative of the population at large if deer hunters select for larger antlered individuals. The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate whether white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus hunters exhibit selective behavior through an age-specific comparison of harvested antler metrics to naturally cast antlers; and 2) evaluate the potential value of cast antlers to monitor herd condition via antler seal depth to identify individual health. Antler metrics representing antler mass (main beam basal circumference), length (main beam length), and the number of antler points were taken on yearling (aged 1.5 y) hunter-harvested deer during the 2009, 2010, and 2011 November firearm seasons and compared with freshly cast yearling antlers collected during the corresponding 2010, 2011, and 2012 antler-casting seasons. The antler metric indicative of antler mass was greater in harvested deer than the deer herd at large, providing empirical evidence of size-selective hunter behavior. We suggest that cast antlers be used as a less-biased alternative to measurements taken of antlers of harvested deer to assess herd characteristics.

Internal architecture of pampas deer antlers differs in males allocated with and without females

Bone mineralization of antlers and the depth of the antler seal (the basal surface of the cast antlers) are positively related to testosterone concentrations. Pampas deer males that are in permanent contact with females have greater, heavier, and darker antlers than males that are isolated from them. The objectives were to determine if antler compact/spongy bone ratio, antler seal depth, and compact bone darkness are greater in pampas deer males permanently allocated with females than those in males isolated from them. Antlers from males permanently allocated with or without females were cut transversally in seven points and scanned, and the compact/spongy ratio was calculated. The pixel intensity of each image was determined with a software for image analysis. The coronet of the antler was cut longitudinally, and the height of the most prominent protrusion was measured. The compact/spongy ratio was greater in antlers from males that were in contact with females in the second tine (P = 0.02) and tended to be great in the two other tines (P = 0.06 and P = 0.1, respectively). Compact bone pixel color was darker in males in contact with females than that in males isolated from females in two points (P = 0.02 and P = 0.05, respectively) and tended to do so in two more (P = 0.055 and P = 0.1, respectively). Antler seal convexity was also greater in antlers from males in contact with females (P = 0.006). We concluded that permanent contact with females stimulated pampas deer males increasing compact bone portion of the antler tines, the seal depth size, and the darkness of the compact bone.

Antler casting in relation to parturition in semi-domesticated female reindeer

We investigated the timing of the right and left antler casting in semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in relation to parturition using 139 antlered adult individually marked females in 2008-09 between May 5 and June 2; a period when all calves were born and all females cast their antlers. We analysed time of casting of right and left antler in relation to pregnancy, female age and body weight, weight and sex of the calf, and birth date. Seven of the females were non-pregnant (barren) and cast their antlers during the second week of May and at the same time as some of the females that gave birth initiated antler casting. Postpartum retention of antlers varied from 0 to 15 days. We found no difference between left and right antler casting schedule and within two days apart, 91% of the females had cast both antlers. The maximum number of antler castings per day occurred on the seventh day after parturition. Of the 132 females that gave birth, 7 females (5.3%) cast both antlers 5 – 23 days before calving, three females cast right antler 6 – 10 days before and the left antler 2 – 5 days after calving and one female that bore only a left antler casted a day before calving. Antler casting among lactating females was related only to female age, indicating that older females cast antlers earlier than younger females (i.e. 3 days earlier than the pooled mean of 7.6 days). Apart from calving date being two days later among the 7 females that alternated their casting schedule, female body weights, calf sex and calf birth weight among them did not differ between the two years. We conclude that it is a small but consistent antler casting overlap between barren and pregnant/lactating females, indicating that the control mechanism for casting of antlers is not “fool proof” and that antler status prior to parturition does not accurately predict pregnancy status in this domestic reindeer group.

Weathered antlers as a source of DNA

AbstractWe tested antlers of Coues white‐tailed (Odocoileus virginianus couesi) and mule deer (O. hemionus) in various stages of natural decomposition to determine the degree of weathering that cast antlers could endure and still yield usable DNA. Based on physical characteristics, we partitioned antlers into 7 weathering categories ranging from freshly cast (class 1) to having been exposed to weathering for ≥8 years (class 7). Most antlers that had weathered 1–7 years yielded amplifiable DNA, whereas antlers weathered for ≥8 years failed to yield replicable DNA. This study confirms that antlers exposed to weathering for 1–7 years can be a source of replicable DNA and, thus, contribute an additional, and previously overlooked, non‐invasive sample for analysis in molecular genetics studies. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Assessing red deer antler density with a hydrostatic method versus a new parametric volume-modelling technique using 3D-CAD

Two methods of volume measurement were compared, to develop a simple and reliable method for estimating the whole-antler density. We used 10 cast antlers, previously dried and weighed, from 10 different red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) individuals. The volumes were determined by the traditional Archimedes method versus a new parametric volume-modelling technique using a ‘computer-aided design-three dimensions’ (3D-CAD), which is now being used in the biomedical industry in applications such as medical-implant design, tissue engineering and in developing a better understanding of anatomical functionality and morphological analysis. The process paths to follow in the generation of CAD models from cast antlers were described. The whole-antler density was estimated from the weight and volume measurement and a paired-sample comparison procedure was performed to assess differences between volumes as well as densities. Cast-antler weight ranged from 219.93 to 1857.9 g, and the volume estimated by the hydrostatic method was 732.45 ± 474.06 cm3 and by the CAD-3D method it was 730.65 ± 492.59 cm3. The DM density of the antler by the hydrostatic method (Density A) was 1.112 ± 0.120 g/cm3, ranging from 0.915 to 1.345 g/cm3 (Shapiro–Wilks, P = 0.449), and by the 3D-CAD method (Density B) it was 1.112 ± 0.158 g/cm3, ranging from 0.939 to 1.326 g/cm3 (Shapiro–Wilks, P = 0.751). There were no differences in the volume (t = 0.95, P = 0.37) or density (t = 0.54, P = 0.60) between the two methods and the correlation coefficient between Density A and Density B was 0.968. Both methods had similar reliability, although the computing process with the 3D-CAD system calculated antler volume faster than did the traditional hydrostatic weighing. 3D-CAD also avoided cast damage and the methodological problems with larger or smaller antlers or with floatability due to low density, which occur when using the hydrostatic method.

Annual variations in fecal androgen metabolites and antler cycle of captive red brocket bucks (Mazama americana) in southeast Brazil

Annual variations in fecal androgen metabolites (FAM) and antler cycle were analyzed in six red brocket bucks exposed to a natural photoperiod in southeast Brazil. Fecal samples and antlers status data were collected weekly during a 1-year period. Four animals were in hard antler throughout the year, whereas one individual cast antlers in September and other took several months to completely shed antler velvet. Monthly means (±SEM) of FAM concentrations exhibited no differences in all monitored bucks (P > 0.05). In addition, FAM levels from four males that kept hard antlers year-round were grouped by month and no differences among monthly means were found (P > 0.05). Comparisons between FAM levels at different antler stages were not possible because of the low number of males presenting changes in antler status. These findings indicate that red brocket bucks present no annual pattern in androgen secretion and antler changes, suggesting that testicular and antler cycles in this species are little or not affected by photoperiodic cues.

Seasonal migration of male red deer (Cervus elaphus) in southern Sweden and consequences for management

Red deer Cervus elaphus is a highly appreciated and intensively managed game species throughout Europe. A common management objective is a sustainable harvest of large trophies. In southern Sweden, management has mainly aimed at preserving the nominate subspecies C. elaphus elaphus. Seasonal migration of red deer males may, however, complicate both harvest management as well as conservation efforts. I used individually identified male red deer in southern Sweden to observe distance travelled from rutting areas to areas used by males in summer and winter. Adult males were identified by antler shape and photo-documented during rut. Photos from the rut were compared to trophies of deer harvested or found dead, to found cast antlers and to stags photographed during summer. From 1969 to 2007, a distance between rutting ground and summer/winter quarters was established for 96 identified stags. An average distance of 14 km and a maximum distance of 47 km were recorded between rut and summer/winter observations. The seasonal migration of males increases the risk of overexploitation of males with harvest in both rutting areas and wintering areas. Harvest management and conservation efforts may fail if males seasonally migrate outside the management unit. The results suggest that seasonal migration must be considered in harvest management and conservation and that there is a need for a regulation of male harvest. Furthermore, the study stresses that the success in deer management of single hunting units, may be largely dependent on the harvest policies in the near surroundings as well as in areas tenths of kilometres away, suggesting that a successful management must rely on co-operation and co-ordination on a landscape scale.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANTLERS AND ANTLER BREAKAGE IN WHITE-TAILED DEER

A BSTRACT Previous descriptions of growth, development, and composition of deer antlers have not included factors that affect antler breakage. We related morphology and mineral concentration to occurrence of broken antler tines in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) using 126 cast antlers collected during 1989 to 1995. Antlers were divided into 2 categories: broken and intact. Density, break strength, spongy bone percentage, and mineral composition were measured for 1-cm cross-sections removed from the base of the main beam, from between the G2 and G3 tines, and from the base of the G3 tine. We compared these variables between broken and intact antlers and estimated correlations between tine density, break strength, spongy bone ratio, and mineral composition. Density, percentage of spongy bone, break strength, and mineral concentration did not differ significantly between broken and intact antlers. Main beam break strength differed significantly among years. Mineral composition differed significantly among antler locations and year. Rainfall during the antler growth period was correlated with concentrations of aluminum and manganese. Although there were significant correlations between morphology and mineral concentrations, morphology and mineral composition did not explain the presence of broken antlers.

Baseline values for cast antlers of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus)

Given that the introduction of allochthonous deer breeds in Spanish farms and hunting estates is becoming increasingly common, it is urgent to describe the morphology of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) antlers. We use over 2,000 cast antlers collected in Sierra Morena (southern Spain) to provide reference values for beam and first (brow) tine length, beam and burr circumference, and antler weight, depending on the number of antler points. In addition, this study includes a mean gross score of the trophy calculated according to the official formulae, as well as its correlation with the antler variables considered in this study. Beam length is the single most important factor for high score trophies, while factors such as antler weight or the number of antler points contribute little to the gross score. Management implications of these data are discussed.

Cryptorchism, hypogonadism and antler malformations in black-tailed deer(Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) of Kodiak island

Distinct antler malformations, (such as lack of points, distortion of antler forms, incomplete velvet shedding, casting above the coronet and a diagonal separation of cast antlers), were detected in Sitka deer(Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) of the Kodiak Island (Alaska, USA). Many of these deer were also unilateral or bilateral cryptorchids and a few exhibited a moderate or severe separation of frontal skull bones. Radioimmunoassay analyses of serum revealed signs of hypogonadism: we found higher concentrations of LH (P=0.05) and lower concentrations of T (P=0.037) in bilateral cryptorchids as compared to intact bucks. There was no apparent impairment of spermatogenesis in the remaining testis of the unilateral cryptorchid deer. Unfortunately, no ectopic testes were so far recovered in cryptorchid deer. Surprisingly, only about half of deer with bilateral cryptorchism exhibited hypogonadic symptoms. In the other half of cryptorchid deer, the antlers appeared completely normal and the concentrations of LH or testosterone in the serum of several bucks were in the range of intact deer. It has been postulated that in some cryptorchid deer, ectopic testes can produce sufficient amount of testosterone, which prevents obvious antler and skull malformations, as well as reduces the compensatory elevation of LH. The possible causes of the hypogonadism resulting in cryptorchism and antler malformations are discussed.

Using cast antler characteristics to profile quality of white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus populations

Cast white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus antlers from the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (McAAP) in southeastern Oklahoma were used to assess distributions of selected antler characteristics, illustrate variation in antler development in a white‐tailed deer population under a quality deer management program, and determine if harvest statistics accurately reflect antler characteristics of the population. We systematically searched cultivated food plots on the McAAP during the winter of 1995 for freshly cast antlers (N = 77). Gross scores of antlers averaged 41.9 but were slightly skewed (skewness = ‐0.283) towards larger antlers, suggesting that a large proportion of the population is comprised of mature animals (≥3.5 years). Mean beam length, basal circumference, and number of points were significantly greater among cast antlers than among antlers of deer harvested by hunters. These data illustrate the results of a management and harvest strategy designed to produce quality white‐tailed deer, and indicate that data collected from hunter harvested deer may not be representative of the population.

Structure and mineralisation density of antler and pedicle bone in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) exposed to different levels of environmental fluoride: a quantitative backscattered electron imaging study.

The structure and relative degree of mineralisation of antler and pedicle bone of yearling red deer stags exposed either to low or high levels of environmental fluoride were determined by digital quantitative backscattered electron (BSE) imaging. Bone fluoride content (BFC) in antlers (845 +/- 86 mg F-/kg ash, arithmetic mean +/- S.E.M.) and pedicles (1448 +/- 154 mg F-/kg ash) of deer from a highly fluoride polluted area in North Bohemia (Czech Republic) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those of controls from uncontaminated regions in West Germany (antlers: 206 +/- 41, pedicles: 322 +/- 52 mg F-/kg ash). Mean (56.5 +/- 4.5%) and maximum (84.9 +/- 2.1%) mineralised bone area of the control antlers significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) exceeded the corresponding values for the N. Bohemian deer (43.3 +/- 1.3 and 73.3 +/- 1.9%, respectively), while the pedicles from the 2 groups did not differ significantly. In the pooled antler samples (n = 18), negative correlations existed between BFC and mean (r(s) = -0.62, P < 0.01) as well as maximum (r(s) = -0.69, P < 0.01) mineralised bone area. Morphological imaging revealed a decreased width and an increased porosity of the antler cortex in the N. Bohemian specimens. Mean (148.5 +/- 1.7) and maximum (154.2 +/- 1.7) BSE-signal intensities (= grey levels; range between a monobrominated (grey level 0) and a monoiodinated (grey level 255) dimethacrylate resin standard) of the antlers from the controls were significantly higher than those of the N. Bohemian deer (140.7 +/- 2.1 and 145.7 +/- 2.2, respectively; P < 0.05 for both comparisons). In the pooled antler samples, negative correlations between BFC and mean (r(s) = -0.51, P < 0.05) as well as maximum (r(s) = -0.52, P < 0.05) BSE-signal intensities were observed. No significant differences in mineralisation density parameters were found for the 2 pedicle samples, and BFC and mineralisation density of the pooled pedicles were uncorrelated. Morphological imaging revealed bone mottling (denoting increased remodelling activity) and frequent occurrence of apparently increased osteocyte lacunae in some of the pedicles from the N. Bohemian deer. It is concluded that the reduced amount of mineralised bone in, and the lower mineralisation density of, the N. Bohemian antlers resulted from a fluoride induced disturbance of bone mineralisation. The rapid growth of antlers leads both to a high mineral demand and a high rate of fluoride uptake during antlerogenesis. This, and the limited lifespan of antlers, which does not allow for a compensation of a delay in the onset or progression of the mineralisation process, renders antler bone particularly susceptible to fluoride. Antlers are therefore considered a useful model for studying fluoride effects on bone formation. Furthermore, analysis of cast antlers enables a noninvasive monitoring of environmental pollution by fluorides.

Fallow deer tactic to compete over food with red deer

Small ungulates may compete with larger species through higher mobility, greater aggressiveness, and/or by larger group sizes. We observed a herd of approximately 100 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 130 fallow deer (Dama dama) at the Žehušice Deer Park during supplemental feeding to determine whether fallow deer can displace red deer at feeding sites and to describe strategies used for displacement. Data were analyzed during the antlered period (AP) when males of both species had hard antlers and the cast period (CP) when all red deer stags had cast antlers, but fallow bucks were still in a hard antler. We conducted 41 observation sessions, 29 during the AP and 12 during the CP. In both periods red deer were more numerous than fallow deer at the feeding sites. Fallow bucks initially waited until red deer arrived at the feeding site, after which they attacked any red deer. Fallow bucks were more aggressive than red deer stags or hinds. When stags retaliated, the bucks turned their attacks toward hinds. During feeding sessions, attacks against hinds intensified, while bucks avoided encounters with stags. As a result, in most cases (90%), red deer vacated the feeding site before the supplementary food was depleted. In contrast, fallow does not compete with the larger red deer and selected other sources of food in the park. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.