Deer Range Research Articles

Persistence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in Endangered Florida Key Deer and Key Deer Habitat

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) was first reported in the endangered Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) in 1996 on Big Pine Key, Florida, USA. By 2008, eight additional MAP-positive Key deer had been identified on Big Pine Key and the nearby Newfound Harbor Keys. This study was conducted to determine if MAP was still present in Key deer and whether natural or man-made freshwater sources were contaminated with MAP. Between November 2009 and September 2012, MAP was isolated from 36/369 (10%) fecal samples collected from the ground throughout the Key deer range on Big Pine Key and the Newfound Harbor Keys, but all 36 positive samples were from Little Palm Island (36/142 [25%]). Only 1/729 (0.1%) environmental samples was positive; this was from the garden fountain on Little Palm Island (1/81 [1%]). In addition, MAP was detected in 3/43 (7%) necropsied Key deer, all from Little Palm Island (3/3 [100%]). Of these three Key deer, pooled samples from the ileum, cecum, and ileocecal lymph node from two were MAP-culture positive and feces from one of these were culture-positive. The third deer was only PCR-positive. Evidence of MAP was only detected on Little Palm Island during this sampling period and environmental contamination was limited.

Predicting the future range and abundance of fallow deer in Tasmania, Australia

Context Since the introduction of fallow deer (Dama dama) to Tasmania in the early 1830s, the management of the species has been conflicted; the species is partially protected as a recreational hunting resource, yet simultaneously recognised as an invasive species because of its environmental impact and the biosecurity risk that it poses. The range and abundance of fallow deer in Tasmania has evidently increased over the past three decades. In the 1970s, it was estimated that ~7000–8000 deer were distributed in three distinct subpopulations occupying a region of ~400 000 ha (generally centred around the original introduction sites). By the early 2000s, the estimated population size had more than tripled to ~20 000–30 000 deer occupying 2.1 million ha. No study has attempted to predict what further growth in this population is likely. Aims The purpose of our study was to provide a preliminary estimate of the future population range and abundance of fallow deer in Tasmania under different management scenarios. Methods We developed a spatially explicit, deterministic population model for fallow deer in Tasmania, based on estimates of demographic parameters linked to a species distribution model. Spatial variation in abundance was incorporated into the model by setting carrying capacity as a function of climate suitability. Key results On the basis of a conservative estimate of population growth for the species, and without active management beyond the current policy of hunting and crop protection permits, abundance of fallow deer is estimated to increase substantially in the next 10 years. Uncontrolled, the population could exceed 1 million animals by the middle of the 21st century. This potential increase is a function both of local increase in abundance and extension of range. Conclusions Our results identify areas at high risk of impact from fallow deer in the near future, including ecologically sensitive areas of Tasmania (e.g. the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area). Implications The research approach and results are presented as a contribution to debate and decisions about the management of fallow deer in Tasmania. In particular, they provide a considered basis for anticipating future impacts of deer in Tasmania and prioritising management to mitigate impact in ecologically sensitive areas.

At home in a new range: wild red deer in south-eastern Queensland

Context Wild deer are increasing worldwide and, in Australia, prompting land managers to review management strategies. Management activities may be ineffective without a sound understanding of the ecology of the species. No peer-reviewed research has been published for wild red deer in Australia, where they have been introduced. Aims To help land managers gain an understanding of some movement parameters of introduced wild red deer out of their natural range. Methods GPS collars were used to obtain movement rates (m h–1), annual home range using three estimators and seasonal home range using the Local Convex Hull estimator. Key findings Deer at our study site displayed typical crepuscular movements. However, the lack of elevated activity for stags in summer varies greatly to reports from overseas. The annual home range of hinds was much smaller than that of stags. Large differences for seasonal home ranges from the same deer for two winters suggest that seasonal conditions may exert a large influence on the size of home ranges. The home ranges of deer at our study site were comparable with the largest reported in European studies, but the relationship between deer density and home-range area was markedly different. Conclusions It appears that Australian wild red deer behave differently from their European conspecifics for several important movement parameters. Wild stags did not display the high levels of movement activity in summer, like those in Europe, and the home-range areas of our deer were very large for the high densities we encountered compared with overseas reports. Implications Targeted management of hinds may prove beneficial as hinds had a much smaller and continuous home range than stags. If managers want to target stags, there is only a short rut period when they continually associate with hinds and that may be the most efficacious time for control. Additionally, future research may need to explore the link between home range and deer density, and the effect of variation in rainfall on home range and movement of wild red deer which may influence management activities more than do the regular seasonal patterns found in Europe.

Formation of the range of the Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus, Cervidae) and its present distribution in Yakutia

Data on the distribution of the Siberian roe deer in Yakutia in the past and at present are presented. The dynamics of the species range in the Holocene is considered. The ways of formation of the new range of Siberian roe deer in this region in the 20th century are analyzed. The structure of the range of this species in different ecological and geographical regions of Yakutia is discussed. Cases of occurrence of the Siberian roe deer in the subarctic zone are described.

Landscape Level Variation in Tick Abundance Relative to Seasonal Migration in Red Deer

Partial migration is common among northern ungulates, typically involving an altitudinal movement for seasonally migratory individuals. The main driving force behind migration is the benefit of an extended period of access to newly emerged, high quality forage along the green up gradient with increasing altitude; termed the forage maturation hypothesis. Any other limiting factor spatially correlated with this gradient may provide extra benefits or costs to migration, without necessarily being the cause of it. A common ectoparasite on cervids in Europe is the sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus), but it has not been tested whether migration may lead to the spatial separation from these parasites and thus potentially provide an additional benefit to migration. Further, if there is questing of ticks in winter ranges in May before spring migration, deer migration may also play a role for the distribution of ticks. We quantified the abundance of questing sheep tick within winter and summer home ranges of migratory (n = 42) and resident red deer (Cervus elaphus) individuals (n = 32) in two populations in May and August 2009–2012. Consistent with predictions, there was markedly lower abundance of questing ticks in the summer areas of migrating red deer (0.6/20 m2), both when compared to the annual home range of resident deer (4.9/20 m2) and the winter home ranges of migrants (5.8/20 m2). The reduced abundances within summer home ranges of migrants were explained by lower abundance of ticks with increasing altitude and distance from the coast. The lower abundance of ticks in summer home ranges of migratory deer does not imply that ticks are the main driver of migration (being most likely the benefits expected from forage maturation), but it suggests that ticks may add to the value of migration in some ecosystems and that it may act to spread ticks long distances in the landscape.

Migrating mule deer: effects of anthropogenically altered landscapes.

BackgroundMigration is an adaptive strategy that enables animals to enhance resource availability and reduce risk of predation at a broad geographic scale. Ungulate migrations generally occur along traditional routes, many of which have been disrupted by anthropogenic disturbances. Spring migration in ungulates is of particular importance for conservation planning, because it is closely coupled with timing of parturition. The degree to which oil and gas development affects migratory patterns, and whether ungulate migration is sufficiently plastic to compensate for such changes, warrants additional study to better understand this critical conservation issue.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe studied timing and synchrony of departure from winter range and arrival to summer range of female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in northwestern Colorado, USA, which has one of the largest natural-gas reserves currently under development in North America. We hypothesized that in addition to local weather, plant phenology, and individual life-history characteristics, patterns of spring migration would be modified by disturbances associated with natural-gas extraction. We captured 205 adult female mule deer, equipped them with GPS collars, and observed patterns of spring migration during 2008–2010.Conclusions/SignificanceTiming of spring migration was related to winter weather (particularly snow depth) and access to emerging vegetation, which varied among years, but was highly synchronous across study areas within years. Additionally, timing of migration was influenced by the collective effects of anthropogenic disturbance, rate of travel, distance traveled, and body condition of adult females. Rates of travel were more rapid over shorter migration distances in areas of high natural-gas development resulting in the delayed departure, but early arrival for females migrating in areas with high development compared with less-developed areas. Such shifts in behavior could have consequences for timing of arrival on birthing areas, especially where mule deer migrate over longer distances or for greater durations.

Sika deer distribution and habitat selection: the influence of the availability and distribution of food, cover, and threats

Large populations of sika deer occur in lowland heath, woodland, and grassland mosaics in southern England. Previous studies have focused on understanding single factors potentially affecting distribution and habitat selection of sika deer rather than considering simultaneously effects of landscape configuration and human disturbance on their distribution and habitat selection. This study measured effects of habitat availability, landscape structure, and human disturbance on where sika deer placed their home ranges and habitat selection within those ranges. Two main hypotheses were tested: (1) habitat selection differs according to landscape structure and habitat availability at both landscape and home range scales and (2) distribution of sources of human disturbance within the home range of deer affects their distribution. Results from radiotracking 31 females provided support for the first hypothesis and partial support for the second. Habitat selection at the landscape and home range scales differed between landscapes with different habitat structure and availability and was driven by distribution and availability of food and cover and a perceived risk linked to disturbance. Furthermore, deer selected open areas close to cover and this selection was stronger with presence of human disturbance, although results differed between study areas with different habitat distribution and level of disturbance. The study highlights the importance for managing deer of a balance between grazing and cover resources and the distribution of human disturbance.

Cytotoxic Potential of Andrographolide against Bovine Tuberculosis

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic mycobacterial infection that impinges on a wide range of mammals, including man, cattle, deer, pigs and carnivores. The present investigationdeals with the anti-mycobacterial potential of Andrographolide againstMycobacterium bovis, commonly known as bovine tuberculosis.The bioactive compound andrographolide was isolated from the leavesof Andrographis paniculata. Employing different techniques viz. zone of inhibition, disc diffusion and turbidometric method,the MIC of andrographolide was found to be vacillating between 100 and 11.11µg/ml against the test organism (Garg& Shrivastava, 2013). The results suggested andrographolide compound to be a potent antibiotic against M. bovis and its inhibitory effect is on par with standard drugs like isoniazid and fluoroquinolones. Keywords:Andrographolide,Andrographispaniculata, Bovine tuberculosis,Mycobacterium bovis.

Habitat suitability model for red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758): spatial multi-criteria analysis with GIS application

Monitoring population trends is essential in wildlife management. In fact, to identify those environmental conditions linked to habitat use and selection is a key task in any conservation plan. Our aim in this work was predict red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758) colonization in the Lombada National Hunting Area (LNHA), one of the largest wild populations in Portugal. The sharply increase in density and range of red deer over the last decades justify the careful monitoring of this population. A multi-criteria model using the Analytical Hierarchic Process (AHP) and GIS weighted spatial analysis with matrix algebra techniques were applied in this approach. This method was developed in three distinct phases: i) setting the objectives, ii) analysing pairs of factors through the application of a comparison matrix and iii) its synthesis with the weight assignment that followed a predetermined numeric range according to the ecological requirements of the study species. The variables used in the red deer habitat suitability model included the hydrographic network, asphalted roads, relief aspects and land use. From October 2010 to March 2011, a total of 129 observations along line transects were recorded and used to validate the final model. By using the AUC method it was obtained a success rate of 72%. Our results suggest that this method would be applied on a larger scale being suitable to predict red deer expansion. To our knowledge, this is the first study performed in Portugal using this methodological approach to assess the red deer-habitat relationships.

Habitat suitability model for red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758): spatial multi-criteria analysis with GIS application

Monitoring population trends is essential in wildlife management. In fact, to identify those environmental conditions linked to habitat use and selection is a key task in any conservation plan. Our aim in this work was predict red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758) colonization in the Lombada National Hunting Area (LNHA), one of the largest wild populations in Portugal. The sharply increase in density and range of red deer over the last decades justify the careful monitoring of this population. A multi-criteria model using the Analytical Hierarchic Process (AHP) and GIS weighted spatial analysis with matrix algebra techniques were applied in this approach. This method was developed in three distinct phases: i) setting the objectives, ii) analysing pairs of factors through the application of a comparison matrix and iii) its synthesis with the weight assignment that followed a predetermined numeric range according to the ecological requirements of the study species. The variables used in the red deer habitat suitability model included the hydrographic network, asphalted roads, relief aspects and land use. From October 2010 to March 2011, a total of 129 observations along line transects were recorded and used to validate the final model. By using the AUC method it was obtained a success rate of 72%. Our results suggest that this method would be applied on a larger scale being suitable to predict red deer expansion. To our knowledge, this is the first study performed in Portugal using this methodological approach to assess the red deer-habitat relationships.

Ecology and management of deer in developed landscapes: An introduction

Ecology and management of deer in developed landscapes: An introduction

Space use of sympatric deer in a riparian ecosystem in an area where chronic wasting disease is endemic

AbstractKnowledge of movements, range size and spatial overlap of sympatric deer is integral to understanding chronic wasting disease (CWD) in endemic areas and can assist resource managers in modeling the spread of the disease. We radio‐collared 70 deer (30 mule deer Odocoileus hemionus and 40 white‐tailed deer O. virginianus) in the North Platte River Valley in western Nebraska, USA, from 2004 to 2007 to document movements, size and spatial overlap of home range and resource selection of these sympatric species of deer. We compared home‐range size and overlap and resource selection among male and female mule deer and white‐tailed deer to examine relative use of space in order to understand the potential for indirect spread of CWD better. We identified forested, riparian habitats as high selection of use and these habitats could likely contribute to the potential spreading of CWD between sympatric deer that concentrate in these areas. We found that migration, size of home range of female mule deer, and similarities in resource selection could contribute to sustaining or spreading CWD in Nebraska. The role of female mule deer in the spread of CWD coupled with selection for riparian corridors by both species should be investigated further, because these factors may be a primary determinant of disease spread in the historical range of mule deer.

Multitarget Test for Emerging Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis in a Serosurvey of Dogs, Maine, USA

To determine if the range of deer ticks in Maine had expanded, we conducted a multitarget serosurvey of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in 2007. An extension of exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi to the northern border and local transmission of Anaplasma phagocytophilum throughout southern areas was found.

Soil clay content underlies prion infection odds

Environmental factors—especially soil properties—have been suggested as potentially important in the transmission of infectious prion diseases. Because binding to montmorillonite (an aluminosilicate clay mineral) or clay-enriched soils had been shown to enhance experimental prion transmissibility, we hypothesized that prion transmission among mule deer might also be enhanced in ranges with relatively high soil clay content. In this study, we report apparent influences of soil clay content on the odds of prion infection in free-ranging deer. Analysis of data from prion-infected deer herds in northern Colorado, USA, revealed that a 1% increase in the clay-sized particle content in soils within the approximate home range of an individual deer increased its odds of infection by up to 8.9%. Our findings suggest that soil clay content and related environmental properties deserve greater attention in assessing risks of prion disease outbreaks and prospects for their control in both natural and production settings.

Expansion of geographic range of red deer in Yakutia

The data related to the expansion of the red deer geographic range to the northeast in Yakutia are given. Since the 20th century, the red deer species has been gradually settling over the territory of Yakutia. It occupied the southern and southwestern regions of Yakutia valleys of the Chara, Tokko, and Olekma Rivers during the first half of the century. Afterwards, it moved to the southern part of Central Yakutia (valleys of the Amga, Buotama, and Aldan rivers). The factors responsible for the changes in the boundaries of the red deer geographic range are analyzed.

Home Ranges of Sympatric Mule Deer and White-Tailed Deer in Texas

Sympatry can create special dynamics between populations and impact management strategies for each species. We estimated size and overlap of home ranges and core areas of sympatric female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) in west-central Texas. We captured 50 mule deer and 53 white-tailed deer, fitted them with radiocollars, and monitored them during 2000–2002. Average (±SE) size of home range of mule deer in spring was 3.9 ± 0.32 km2, while that of white-tailed deer was 4.32 ± 0.77 km2; sizes of home ranges in summer were 2.82 ± 0.32 and 2.08 ± 0.23 km2, respectively. Interspecific overlap of home range between seasons was similar to intraspecific overlap. Overlap in core area also was similar within and between species during summer, but interspecific overlap in core area was less during spring.

Regional assessment on influence of landscape configuration and connectivity on range size of white-tailed deer

Variation in the size of home range of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has broad implications for managing populations, agricultural damage, and disease spread and transmission. Size of home range of deer also varies seasonally because plant phenology dictates the vegetation types that are used as foraging or resting sites. Knowledge of the landscape configuration and connectivity that contributes to variation in size of home range of deer for the region is needed to fully understand differences and similarities of deer ecology throughout the Midwest. We developed a research team from four Midwestern states to investigate how size of home range of deer in agro-forested landscapes is influenced by variations in landscape characteristics that provide essential habitat components. We found that for resident female deer, annual size of home range in Illinois (mean = 0.99 km2), Michigan (mean = 1.34 km2), Nebraska (mean = 1.20 km2), and Wisconsin (mean = 1.47 km2) did not differ across the region (F 3,175 = 0.42, P = 0.737), but differences between agricultural growing and nongrowing periods were apparent. Variables influencing size of home range included: distance to forests, roads, and urban development from the centroid of deer home range, and percent of crop as well as four landscape pattern indices (contrast-weighted edge density, mean nearest neighbor, area-weighted mean shape index, and patch size coefficient of variation). We also identified differences in model selection for four landscapes created hierarchically to reflect levels of landscape connectivity determined from perceived ability of deer to traverse the landscape. Connectivity of selected forested regions within agro-forested ecosystems across the Midwest plays a greater role in understanding the size of home ranges than traditional definitions of deer habitat conditions and landscape configuration.

Red and sika deer in the British Isles, current management issues and management policy

The red deer ( Cervus elaphus) is one of the most widely distributed species of deer in Europe. Due to its economic value as game species or its negative impacts on forestry, agriculture and conservation areas, most populations are currently managed, with strategies and intensity of the management varying between countries. In Britain, and less certainly in Ireland, red deer have been continuously present since the end of the last glaciation and constitute the largest population of red deer in Europe. Although they thrived in the past when forests were abundant, the current distribution of red deer in the British Isles is uneven, with the largest numbers being found in Scotland and few and more localised populations in England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. In the British Isles, as in many other parts of Europe, there is a long history of man interacting with deer populations including local extinctions, multiple translocations and introductions of exotic species of deer. Among introduced exotic species of deer, the Japanese sika ( Cervus nippon) is the one of most concern. After introduction of small numbers at multiple locations in Britain and Ireland from 1860 onwards, sika have increased in population number and range in areas with good forest cover, and where they overlap with red deer there is a risk of hybridisation. Due to recent increases in numbers and range of red and sika deer, both species pose a range of management challenges which are not easy to solve. In this review we summarise the history and status of these two species in Great Britain and Ireland, describe current management and discuss management options for the future.

Home range and habitat selection of an insular fallow deer (Dama dama L.) population on Little St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA

A better understanding of habitat use and home range size for an exotic fallow deer (Dama dama L.) population in coastal Georgia is needed to understand the relationship between this introduced species and the barrier island ecosystem. These spatial requirements will aid in management decisions to limit negative impacts to the deer or sensitive habitats. We describe annual and seasonal home range and habitat use of seven fallow deer fitted with GPS collars. Home ranges of females averaged 130.3 ± 0.45 ha based on a 95% local convex hull (LoCoH) nonparametric kernel method. Home ranges of adult males were highly variable, ranging from 56.9 to 354.8 ha. We examined site fidelity by analyzing shifts in core areas and percent overlap across seasons. Only one individual exhibited a seasonal range shift; all other deer demonstrated a high level of site fidelity. Based on compositional analysis of habitat use versus availability, fallow deer avoided salt marshes but showed individual variation in selection of other habitats. Maritime shrub was the most commonly preferred habitat type on the barrier island. Fallow deer have adapted to effectively use available habitats on the barrier island and have successfully excluded native white-tailed deer from recolonizing LSSI.

Roe deer population and harvest changes in Europe

INTRODUCTION European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) is the most abundant cervid occurring in most of Europe (with the exception of Ireland, Cyprus, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and the majority of the smaller islands). They are also found in Asia (IUCN, 2007). Historically, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries the roe deer distribution was reduced and their range was very fragmented as a consequence of almost uncontrolled hunting and other types of human activities (Baleisis et al., 2003). From the beginning of the 20th century the European roe deer population started to increase again (Andersen et al., 1998). During the last half of the century roe deer became widespread and it is still expanding in many areas (Fig. 1). Total roe deer range covers 7.2 million [km.sup.2]. Densities in the northern and southern parts of the range tend to be lower than in central parts of the range. The central European population is estimated to number about 15 million individuals (IUCN, 2007). In Europe roe deer are a resource with great economic value for meat production and sport hunting. Roe deer also have a cultural value for recreational activities, and ecological value as part of European biodiversity (Andersen et al., 1998). However, overabundant roe deer populations may cause serious damage to forest plantations and agricultural crops, may be involved in road traffic accidents and spread of diseases. As a consequence of density dependent regulation, at very high densities they can seriously compromise their own welfare (Speyside Deer Management Group, 2007). [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] As roe deer is a very important big game species in Europe, the estimates of its population sizes and the knowledge of annual harvests are essential wildlife management information. To contribute to the understanding of roe deer population changes we have collected such data. The purpose of our study was to: (1) evaluate the actual population status and harvest of roe deer in Europe; (2) compare the magnitude of population and harvest changes between 1984 and the early 2000s based on the available statistical information; (3)reveal the relationship between population size and harvest among European countries/regions. MATERIAL AND METHODS We collected roe deer population size and harvest data in Europe for two different periods, namely 1984 (Table 1) and the early 2000s (Table 2). In order to evaluate the current status of roe deer in Europe we collected recently published data from the national statistics websites, other Internet sources, and published sources of information. It was not possible to find data for all countries for the same year; however, most of the data are for 2005-2006 (Table 2). We found that the reliability of data sources is very different among various countries. In some cases poaching is a very important factor (Macedonia, European Russia, Ukraine) and reported harvest numbers may strongly understate real values (Velevski et al., 2003; Kuzyakin, 2007; PROFOR, 2006). The recent population size data for Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden taken from (EFSA, 2004) are approximate values as stressed in that document. These data were used only because of the lack of more reliable information. In some cases data were available only for part of the country. For example, we found data only for the Walloon region of Belgium while for the rest of the country (the Flemish Region) information is missing. In some sources data were inaccurate and erroneous (Moldova, Ukraine). Despite all the above-mentioned shortcomings, the data seemed acceptable for a general overview of the status of roe deer population in Europe. On the basis of the available numbers we calculated deer density and hunting rate for both periods and the magnitude of roe deer population and harvest changes during the last 20 years. …