Deer Individuals Research Articles

Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) Recolonization in Hungary: Does the Predation Risk Affect the Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Population?

The populations and distribution areas of large carnivores have declined all over the world due to extirpation and habitat alteration and degradation. However, the grey wolf (Canis lupus) has recovered in Europe in recent decades and has been reappearing in Hungary since the 1990s. Since the dominant prey of this carnivore is the red deer (Cervus elaphus) and the wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Central and Eastern Europe, we aimed to study the impact of wolves on local deer populations. Based on hunters’ opinions, we expected an increasing wolf presence and intense effects of wolves on the stress level and body condition of deer. First, we examined the occupied area by wolf in the North Hungarian Mountains. The distribution map was based on a questionnaire among the game managers. To measure the influence of the reappearing predator population on the red deer individuals, we estimated the body condition (kidney fat and bone marrow index) and stress hormone level of faecal samples. We compared them between the areas colonised by wolves and control sites in the mountains. We revealed an increased distribution area of wolves in the mountains since 2014. The stress hormone level was lower in the wolf-free sites in the case of faeces gathered from the ground, but there was similar amount of cortisol in the samples collected from the hunted animals. The body condition indices were not different between the two area types (average kidney fat index > 100% and almost 100% for the bone marrow fat content). Our results do not support a very intense recent impact of the wolf population on the body condition and stress level of red deer in Hungary.

Molecular detection of Setaria tundra (Issaitshikoff & Rajewskaya, 1928) and Setaria cervi (Rudolphi, 1819) in red deer in Slovakia

Filaroid nematodes Setaria tundra (Issaitshikoff & Rajewskaya, 1928) and Setaria cervi (Rudolphi, 1819) are internal parasites from family Onchocercidae with occurrence in the northern hemisphere. They have a considerably wide range of final host, including many species of family Cervidae. Intermediate hosts and vectors at the same time, are represented by the several mosquito species, mostly of genus Aedes. Infection of Setaria is relatively harmless and especially in wild cervids usually pass unnoticed. Although in some cases it can induce peritonitis which might be a life threatening condition.This study was determined to reveal the presence of helminths Setaria tundra and Setaria cervi in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Slovakia. The parasites were identified morphologically and genetically, based on the sequences of a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. For this purpose we used partial results of our longer parasitological monitoring realized in one particular hunting area located in eastern Slovakia, near the city of Košice. A total of 60 red deer individuals were tested, of which one was found to be infected with Setaria tundra (prevalence of 1.7%) and four were detected to be infected with Setaria cervi (prevalence 6.7%). The intensity of infection was very low, only one specimen of Setaria spp. in each positive animal.

Multiple vegetation layers interactively enhance habitat values of endangered Kashmir Musk Deer

The Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus) is a globally endangered species hunted for its musk pod. Despite its endangered status, it remains one of the least studied species of musk deer. In 2019, the genetic discovery of Kashmir musk deer in Mustang district of Nepal – outside of its historically known range in Kashmir, India – opened up new avenues for research on this elusive species. Communication among individuals of musk deer is primarily based on latrine sites, which serve various purposes such as territorial marking and reproductive signaling. Hence, this study aims to investigate the association between microhabitat and latrine sites of Kashmir musk deer in the Mustang, Nepal. A systematic survey was conducted to identify latrine presence and absence sites at an elevational gradient. Data on biophysical parameters, including altitude, slope, aspect, tree height, shrub height, and regeneration height were recorded for both latrine presence and absence plots. Significant differences in tree height and regeneration height, crown cover, and trail width were observed between the presence and absence plots. Latrine presence and absence data fitted with the generalized linear model using logistic function, revealed that the interaction between tree height and regeneration height plays a pivotal role in determining the suitability of a particular site within the habitat for establishing a latrine site. This significant positive interaction indicated that the probability of discovering latrines significantly increases when the areas have taller trees and taller regeneration. This finding affects microclimate factors, such as sunlight exposure, wind speed, soil moisture, and temperature, influencing their role in sustaining scent retention in the latrine sites. Incorporating knowledge about the association between microhabitats and latrine sites can aid in preserving suitable habitats that are critical for establishing communication among individual musk deer. This information can inform various conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs, anti-poaching operations, and reintroduction initiatives.

Effect of the upkeep method, in natural habitat or farm maintenance

The research was performed on 116 fallow deer individuals, including 58 free-living and 58 farmed individuals. The age of the fallow deer ranged from 1.5 to 3 years. The research involved the use of free-living fallow deer carcasses acquired as a result of a cull during huntings in the Zamrzenica Forest Inspectorate, in the kujawskopomorskie province, whereas the farmed fallow deer carcasses were made available for research by the Bomafar Cervidae farm. Of all the individuals for each upkeep method, a group of does and a group of bucks were separated. The aim of the paper was to determine and to compare the values of the metrics of the alimentary tract in two different populations of fallow deer, namely living in a natural hunting ground and kept in the farm system. The morphometric measurements were performed on the carcasses without internal organs. The measurements were taken using the metal tape at the accuracy down to 1 millimetre. The measurements of the intestine length and the capacity of stomachs concerned the unpreserved material. The intestines not emptied from the contents were measured once they were spread on a wet non-adhesive surface. The results of the research demonstrated that the metrics of the digestive tract in fallow deer depend considerably on the method of the animal upkeep and on its sex and there were significant differences in the relative length of intestine and its respective sections.

Identification of age at death in red deer (Cervus elaphus) through the upper dentition: Eruption pattern, wear stage and crown heights

The present research aims to determine the age at which red deer (Cervus elaphus) specimens died by examining their upper dentition. We analyzed eighty free-ranging individuals from southern Spain to establish a reference database for age calculation. The age of these individuals was identified by the mandibular teeth inferred from their known death years and the maxillary teeth were evaluated relative to them. As a result, we have provided three non-destructive methods: a description of the eruption sequence and dental replacement, a referential code for occlusal wear stages, and a regression analysis considering the height of the cusps in both upper and lower dentition. These methods offer the possibility of estimating the age at which the animals died and categorizing them into specific age groups. To evaluate the practicality of this method, we applied it to the Middle Paleolithic archaeological site of Abric Romaní. All the proposed methods allow us to approximate the age at death of red deer individuals. The most accurate results, whenever feasible, are obtained by combining these different methods. This study facilitates the inclusion of upper dentition fossils that have traditionally been omitted from the analysis in archaeological sites, allowing a better adjustment of the quantitative methods used to calculate the number of skeletal elements and the number of individuals. This, in turn, enables a more accurate construction of the anatomical and mortality profiles.

Drone with Mounted Thermal Infrared Cameras for Monitoring Terrestrial Mammals

This study investigates the use of a drone equipped with a thermal camera for recognizing wild mammal species in open areas and to determine the sex and age of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreoulus) in a 13 km2 moor in Denmark. Two separate surveys were conducted: (1) To achieve drone images for the identification of mammals, the drone was tested around a bait place with a live wildlife camera that was often visited by European badger (Meles meles), stone marten (Martes foina), European hare (Lepus europaeus), roe deer and cattle (Bos taurus). The thermal images of wild animal species could be distinguished by their body measures when the drone filmed with the camera pointed perpendicular to the ground in an altitude range of 50–120 m. A PCA ordination showed nonoverlapping body characteristics and MANOVA showed that the combined body measures used were significantly distinctive F = 6.8, p < 0.001. The reactions and behavioral responses of the different species to the altitude and noise of the drone were also tested in this place. (2) On a 13 km2 moor, a drone was used for a population study of deer. Red deer and roe deer were counted and separated by body measures. Red deer individuals could, at the right altitude, be separated into adults and calves, and males and females. Body length was the most conclusive body measure, and therefore a reference measurement in the field is recommended. The frame thermal images were effective in species recognition and for use in population studies of deer, and are thought to be more time-efficient and less invasive than traditional methods. In autumn, the number of stags and the life stage of red deer, as well as the distribution of deer in different types of vegetation, could be determined.

Research on facial recognition of sika deer based on vision transformer

In the face of global concerns about endangered ecosystems, it is vital to identify individual animals. Along these lines, in this work, a Vision Transformer (ViT) based model for sika deer individual recognition using facial data was designed. To get the satisfactory results, both low-level aspects like texture and color must also be considered, in addition to the high-level semantic information. Consequently, it was difficult to get good results by only applying advanced retrieval features. The standard ViT or ViT with ResNet (Residual neural network) as the backbone network may not be the best solution, as the direct patch flattening method of feature embedded in the conventional ViT is not applicable for performing deer face recognition. Therefore, DenseNet (Densely connected convolutional networks) block as Module 1 was used for extracting low-level features. DenseNet layers enable feature reuse through dense connections, and any layer can communicate directly. Thus maximum exchange of information flow between layers in the network is enabled. In Module 2, the mask approach was also used to eliminate extraneous information from the images and reduce interference from complicated backgrounds on the identification accuracy. In addition, the pixel multiplication of the feature map output from the two modules enabled the fusion of the local features with global features, enriching hence the expressiveness of the feature map. Finally, the ViT structure was run through pre-trained. The experimental results showed that the proposed model can reach an accuracy of 97.68% for identifying sika deer individuals and exhibited excellent generalization capabilities. A valid database for the individual identification of sika deer is provided by our work, significantly contributing to the conservation and promotion of the ecosystem.

A Selection of 14 Tetrameric Microsatellite Markers for Genetic Investigations in Fallow Deer (Dama dama).

The fallow deer (Dama dama) represents significant game management value globally, and human activities are significantly impacting the species. Besides the positive effects, these activities can threaten its existence, health, and value. The aim of the authors was to develop a tetranucleotide microsatellite panel that could be clearly interpreted and used for genetic testing of fallow deer. Such a panel did not exist until now and could be particularly useful in the field of conservation genetics and forensics. A total of 99 tetrameric microsatellites, originally designed for related deer species, were tested on 20 fallow deer individuals from five Hungarian sampling areas. Original and newly designed primers were used to amplify the microsatellite regions using previously published or optimized PCR protocols. The lengths and sequences of specific amplicons were detected using capillary electrophoresis, and the rate of polymorphism was determined. Altogether, 80 markers provided PCR products of adequate quality and quantity. Among them, 15 markers proved to be polymorphic (2-5 alleles/locus), and 14 tetrameric markers were selected for further analysis. Statistical calculations showed that the selected polymorphic microsatellites can potentially enable key individualization in many areas of wildlife and population genetics, thus protecting the species.

The Truth About Deer, Turtles, and Dogs: An Examination of the Ancient Maya Human-Faunal Interaction

This paper examines how Mayan individuals, families, and communities living in Mesoamerica from approximately 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1550 interacted with deer, turtles, and dogs. Data collated from archaeological, ethnohistoric, ethnographic, and written/artistic records is reviewed, and summarizes the symbolic, ritual, and ceremonial significance of these animals in the Preclassic to Postclassic Maya world.
 Deer, turtles, and dogs played important roles in the subsistence economy of Mayan individuals and family groups. Chi-square statistical analyses of the Number of Identified Specimens (NISP) and Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI) of deer, turtles, and dogs recovered from 10 Mayan archaeological sites (6 inland and 4 coastal) indicates that the availability of these animals differed at inland versus coastal locations and over time. These differences can be attributed to a combination of factors including, but not limited to, local ecosystems, changes in humidity, precipitation, and sunlight conditions, and variations in human exploitation patterns over time.

Fauna of the endobiotic ciliates from the rumen of the red deer Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758

Fauna of endobiotic ciliates of the red deer Cervus elaphus xanthopigus and of the Altai wapiti Cervus elaphus sibiricus in Asia was studied for the first time. In total, 14 species and 5 forms of ciliates belonging to 5 genera of Ophryoscolecidae and Isotrichidae were found. The species composition of endobiotic ciliates in all studied individuals of deer appeared to be rather similar. Most of the samples contained Entodinium wapiti , previously considered specific to the North American wapiti Cervus canadensis . The influence of different factors on the formation of a certain structure of communities of ciliates, endobionts of the rumen of the red deer Cervus elaphus , is discussed.

Interspecific association of sika deer in terrestrial animal communities of Liancheng National Nature Reserve, China.

The prevention and control of invasive of alien species is an important work for nature reserves. This study analyzes the development trend of the alien species sika deer in Liancheng National Nature Reserve. From October 2019 to June 2020, 3523 valid photos and videos of terrestrial animals were acquired from 130 camera traps, and sika deer were recorded in 21 photos from 13 traps. The survival of the sika deer population was investigated by means of morphological identification, population structure analysis, species relative abundance indices, and species spatial association analysis. A total of 13 sika deer individuals were identified by camera trapping, including two kids and three subadults representing the reproductive capacity of the population. Spatially, sika deer is not associated with any local species and was outside the spatial association network of terrestrial animals in Liancheng National Nature Reserve, indicating that the sika deer population has not been integrated into the local community and has failed to perform its ecological function. It is worth noting that the reserve provides habitat suitable for sika deer and that the population has adequate reproductive capacity. Due to the lack of large apex predators in the reserve, the population size of ungulates such as sika deer, red deer, and Siberian roe deer may expand and lead to population outbreaks and the associated problems for the ecosystem. To restore large- and medium-sized carnivores and avoid the population outbreak of the species, the present challenges require immediate attention in Liancheng National Nature Reserve.

Alternative Strategy to Improve the Conservation of Javan Deer in Pangandaran Nature Reserve, West Java, Indonesia

The habitat of Javan deer in Pangandaran Nature Reserve (PNR) faced natural changes, particularly due to the succession process of vegetation community in grazing areas, and inadequate infrastructures that affected the deer to roam outside PNR. This study aimed to formulate strategies for the conservation of Javan deer in PNR, focusing on ecological aspects and conservation management. The methods were encountering Javan deer individuals; scan sampling and continuous recording to observe the behaviour of Javan deer; calculating the productivity of grazing area by defoliation experiment and vegetation analysis; reviewing documents, reports and interviews; and analysing strategy using SWOT-QSPM. Results showed there were 43 Javan deer encountered roaming in PNR and outside the conservation area, and nine individuals gathered in Cikamal grassland. The productivity of the grazing areas (5.61 ha) was 93,826 kg of feed annually and was only sufficient for 23 individuals. The grazing areas were dominated by Cynodon dactylon. Javan deer spent their time feeding. Javan deer herd in Cikamal is more intolerant to humans compared to the herd in Pangandaran Nature Tourist Park (PNTP). This study recommends: considering the management status of Javan deer in the conservation management of PNR and PNTP; improving the conservation management of Javan deer and its habitat; improving facilities and the management system of those facilities and conservation-supporting infrastructures; collaboration with researchers to perform some research and innovations for Javan deer conservation; improving the capability of PNR staff theoretically and practically; and educating and empowering the local people in terms of Javan deer conservation.

Performance Comparison of Different Approaches in Genotyping MHC-DRB: The Contrast between Single-Locus and Multi-Locus Species.

Simple SummaryGenes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been extensively used for estimation of genetic diversity in wild vertebrate populations on account of their exceptionally high polymorphism and key role in pathogen resistance. The complexity of the MHC region varies greatly, even between closely related species, and consequently influences the choice of genotyping strategy. Here, we compared and evaluated MHC genotyping in a single-locus species, the roe deer, and red deer, a species with multiple loci, by utilisation of molecular cloning and two high-throughput sequencing platforms (Illumina and Ion Torrent). For high-throughput data processing, we applied a web version of the Amplicon Sequencing Analysis Tools that analyses the first 5000 reads per sample as well as its locally installed script that analyses a total number of reads per sample, up to a maximum of 200,000. We observed genotype discrepancies only in red deer, with Illumina sequencing scoring the maximum number of detected alleles, regardless of the number of reads used for data analysis. This study facilitates the adoption of an optimal strategy for MHC genotyping in wild mammals that does not include complex bioinformatic analyses.Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are widely recognised as valuable markers for wildlife genetic studies given their extreme polymorphism and functional importance in fitness-related traits. Newly developed genotyping methods, which rely on the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS), are gradually replacing traditional cloning and Sanger sequencing methods in MHC genotyping studies. Allele calling in NGS methods remains challenging due to extreme polymorphism and locus multiplication in the MHC coupled with allele amplification bias and the generation of artificial sequences. In this study, we compared the performance of molecular cloning with Illumina and Ion Torrent NGS sequencing in MHC-DRB genotyping of single-locus species (roe deer) and species with multiple DRB loci (red deer) in an attempt to adopt a reliable and straightforward method that does not require complex bioinformatic analyses. Our results show that all methods work similarly well in roe deer, but we demonstrate non-consistency in results across methods in red deer. With Illumina sequencing, we detected a maximum number of alleles in 10 red deer individuals (42), while other methods were somewhat less accurate as they scored 69–81% of alleles detected with Illumina sequencing.

Perilaku Harian Rusa Timor (Rusa timorensis) di Stasiun Penelitian Bu’at Kecamatan Mollo Selatan, Kabupaten Timor Tengah Selatan, Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur

A study that aims to determine the daily behavior of the Timor deer (Rusa timorensis) at the Bu'at Research Station, South Mollo District, South Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province; and to find out the daily behavior comparison between Timor deer (Rusa timorensis) individuals based on sex and age (adult male, adult female, male child and female child) at the Bu'at Research Station, South Mollo District, South Central Timor Regency, Nusa Tenggara Province. East from October - December 2019. The method used is the scan sampling method and the object of research is one adult male individual, one adult female individual, one male juvenile individual, and one female juvenile individual. The results of the study were ingestive/eating behavior (38.23%); resting/resting behavior (28.54%); locomotion/walking behavior (29.27%), vocalization/voice behavior (1.46%), eliminative behavior/pooping (0.61%); social behavior (1.82%); sexual behavior (0%); and other behaviors (0.07%); and the comparison of daily behavior between individuals of Timor deer (Rusa timorensis) which were significantly different were adult male deer and juvenile female deer on locomotion (walking) behavior. While in ingestive behavior, resting behavior, vocalization behavior, eliminative behavior, social behavior, and sexual behavior there are no significant differences or can be considered the same

Genetic traces of dispersal and admixture in red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations from the Carpathian Basin

After the last glacial, the Carpathian Basin was repopulated from either eastward or northward colonisation routes for various species; one of these was the emblematic member of the European megafauna, the red deer, Cervus elaphus. We analysed 303 red deer individuals from the middle of the region, in seven Hungarian game reserves, at ten microsatellite loci (C01, C229, T26, T108, T123, T156, T172, T193, T501, T507), to investigate the genetic diversity of these subpopulations. We discovered high levels of genetic diversity of red deer subpopulations; allelic richness values ranging 4.99–7.01, observed heterozygosity 0.729–0.800, polymorphic information content 0.722–0.806, and Shannon’s information index 1.668–2.064. Multi-locus analyses indicated population admixtures of various degrees that corresponded to geographical location, and complex genetic structures were shown by clustering. Populations in the south-western and the north-eastern parts of the region formed two highly separated groups, and the red deer from populations in between them were highly admixed (in western Pannonia/Transdanubia, where the Danube flows into the Carpathian Basin). This pattern corresponds to the distribution of mitochondrial as well as Y-chromosome lineages. Assignment tests showed that a large fraction of individuals (29.4%) are found outside of their population of origin, indicating that the dispersal of red deer is rather common, which could be expected considering the life course of the species.

A balanced gut microbiota is essential to maintain health in captive sika deer.

Certain animals harbor a high proportion of pathogens, particular the zoonotic pathogens, in their gut microbiome but are usually asymptomic; however, their carried pathogens may seriously threaten the public health. By understanding how the microbiome overcomes the negative effects of pathogens to maintain host health, we can develop novel solutions to control animal-mediated pathogen transmission including identification and application of beneficial microbes. Here, we analyzed the gut microbiota of 10 asymptomic captive sika deer individuals by full-length 16S rDNA sequencing. Twenty-nine known pathogens capable of infecting humans were identified, and the accumulated proportions of the identified pathogens were highly variable among individuals (2.33 to 39.94%). The relative abundances of several beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, were found to be positively correlated with the relative abundances of accumulated pathogens. Whole-genome metagenomic analysis revealed that the beneficial- and pathogenic-associated functions, such as genes involved in the synthesis of short chain fatty acids and virulence factors, were also positively correlated in the microbiome, indicating that the beneficial and pathogenic functions were maintained at a relatively balanced ratio. Furthermore, the bacteriophages that target the identified pathogens were found to be positively correlated with the pathogenic content in the microbiome. Several high-quality genomes of beneficial bacteria affiliated with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and bacteriophages were recovered from the metagenomic data. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the interplay between beneficial and pathogenic content to ensure maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome, and also contributes to discovery of novel beneficial microbes and functions that control pathogens. KEY POINTS: • Certain asymptomic captive sika deer individuals harbor relatively high amounts of zoonotic pathogens. • The beneficial microbes and the beneficial functions are balanced with the pathogenic contents in the gut microbiome. • Several high-quality genomes of beneficial bacteria and bacteriophages are recovered by metagenomics.

The Status and Swot Analysis of Roe Deer Population Management in the Hunting Grounds of Central Serbia

Summary The purpose of this study is to examine the status of roe deer population in the hunting grounds of Central Serbia, and perform a SWOT analysis of its management. The data used herein on the number of roe deer individuals and culling events were obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management - Forest Administration and the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. Moreover, the Law on Game and Hunting was used for analysis purposes. The status of roe deer population in the hunting grounds of Serbia is quite unsatisfactory, depending on the geographical area and wildlife management practices. In 2021, a total of 86,755 individuals were recorded in the area of Central Serbia, which accounts for 97.54% of the optimal population. However, the number of roe deer in the individual hunting grounds of the Central and Eastern hunting areas was above the optimal density, whereas the number of roe deer accounted for 88.58% and 89.12% of the optimal density in the individual hunting grounds of the Southern and Western hunting areas, respectively. The largest number of individuals per unit area (km2) was recorded in the Eastern (2.06) and Belgrade (2.02) hunting areas, whereas the smallest number of individuals per unit area (km2) was recorded in the Southern (1.02) and Western (1.34) hunting areas. The following issues were identified as major impediments to the management of roe deer population in the hunting grounds considered: legislative and regulatory instruments, non-compliance and non-enforcement of a large number of regulations, roe deer monitoring issues, poor hunting ground control, inapplicability of certain regulations in the field of veterinary medicine, environmental protection, unresolved issues of trophy and game meat export, lack of strategic planning (namely the hunting development strategies of the Republic of Serbia), lack of deer habitat monitoring methodology and rating methodology, and unprofessional planning and development of hunting ground management plans. The SWOT analysis performed emphasized the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of roe deer population management in Serbia.

DRONE REMOTE SENSING FOR THE CONTROLLED CAPTURE OF SIKA DEER (CERVUS NIPPON): CASE STUDY IN VILLAGE OF YAMANAKAKO

Abstract. In recent years, the population of sika deer in Japan has been increasing, causing animal damage. As for sika deer in the vicinity of the village of Yamanakako, Yamanashi Prefecture, although the total number of individuals is on a downward trend due to the controlled capture that has been conducted throughout the year since 2009, the number of individuals (population) that stay in the vicinity of residential areas (villa areas) has been increasing in recent years. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone has been proven as an effective tool in wildlife research. In particular, thermal images are useful for relatively large mammals such as deer. In this paper, the utility of drone remote sensing using RGB and thermal video is tested for controlled capture of sika deer as a case study in the village of Yamanakako. We develop a methodology to acquire data and to visually identify sika deer specifically for this mission. As a result, the drone remote sensing was considered successful completing within 1 hour and identifying 25 sika deer individuals. Thermal video format was effective to visually identify sika deer on site in terms of time savings, compared to RGB video or RGB/thermal still image format. To have flight area grided and hovering 3 seconds at the centre of a grid during the flight was essential both for visually identifying the number and location of sika deer and for sharing such information later with beaters and shooters using a map.

NEMATODES OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT OF MUSK DEER IN PRIMORSKY KRAI

The species of helminths collected during necropsies of three musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) from the Terney district of Primorsky Krai has been determined. Parasites of musk deer are poorly studied due to the inaccessibility of habitats and the peculiarities of the lifestyle of this ungulate. Thus, the results supplement the data on M. moschiferus parasites. Each of the studied musk deer individuals had one species of nematodes found. There were found Pygarginema skrjabini (64 specimens), Spiculopteragia asymmetrica (10 specimens) and Trichuris ovis (three specimens). S. asymmetrica was found in musk deer for the first time. The results obtained during this study, as well as previously obtained data, show that the helminthofauna of musk deer, in general, is characterized by low levels of species diversity and intensity of infection. The reasons for this, apparently, are the solitary lifestyle and feeding habits of musk deer. A small number of contacts among individuals of musk deer, as well as with ruminants of other species, reduce the risk of infection with helminths. The diet of M. moschiferus, which is based on tree lichens, also does not promote to the realization of the life cycles of helminths.

Endoparasites of red deer (Cervus elaphus xanthopygus) in the Trans-Baikal Territory

The paper presents the results (2019-2021) of parasitological studies of pathological material from 91 individuals of red deer (Cervus elaphus xanthopygus). Infestation of red deer with eight species of endoparasites has been registered in the Trans-Baikal Territory was registered: Protostrongylus kochi, suborder Strongylata of the digestive tract, Moniezia benedeni, Trichostrongylus spp., Dicrocoelium lanceatum, Echinococcus granulosus larva, Cysticercus tenuicollis, Eimeria spp. The intensity of infestation is 86.8% (Cysticercus tenuicollis) and 57.1% (Echinococcus granulosus larva), indicating the presence of natural foci on these helminths and their widespread distribution. Helminths Dicrocoelium lanceatum unspecific for Trans-Baikal Territory were detected in the bile ducts of the liver of one of the examined red deer. This fact indicates the presence of all conditions (the presence of intermediate hosts) for the spread of invasion, including on farm animals. To maintain the veterinary and sanitary well-being of the hunting industry in the Trans-Baikal Territory, the main principles of prevention of registered helminth infections were formulated based on the data obtained. To prevent the spread of echinococcosis, cysticercosis (larval cestodoses) among wild ungulates, increased control of wolves, foxes and stray dogs, as well as mandatory systematic deworming of dogs (quarterly) allowed in hunting farms is necessary. In order to prevent larval cestodoses it is necessary to destroy entrails of hunted animals and not use them raw as food for dogs. To prevent imaginal helminth infestations in ungulates, continuous monitoring of helminth carriage is necessary. Based on the results of these studies, a plan of helminthic measures is drawn up. For deworming wild animals, oral anthelmintic drugs are used, which are laid out on feeding grounds mixed with loose feed (crushed grain).