A management policy for sika deer based on sex‐specific hunting

Abstract

We consider here a management policy for a sika deer (Cervus nippon) population in the eastern part of Hokkaido. Deer populations are characterized by a large intrinsic rate of population increase, no significant density effects on population growth before population crash, and a relatively simple life history. Our goals of management for the deer population are (1) to avoid irruption with severe damage to agriculture and forestry, (2) to avoid the risk of extinction of the deer population, and (3) to maintain a sustainable yield of deer. To make a robust program on the basis of uncertain information about the deer population, we consider three levels of relative population size and four levels of hunting pressures. We also take into consideration a critical level for extinction, an optimal level, and an irruption level. The hunting pressure for females is set to increase with the population size. We also recommend catching males if the population size is between the critical and optimal levels and catching females and males if the population size is larger than the optimal level. We must avoid cases of irruption or threatened population under various sets of uncertain parameter values. The simulation results suggest that management based on sex-specific hunt-ing is effective to diminish the annual variation in hunting yield.

Variation in stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in Hokkaido sika deer Cervus nippon during 1990–2000: possible causes and implications for management

“…The shifts in diet we document, however caused, are negligible in comparison with the increased absolute foraging impact of extra sika. We conclude that our data do not provide evidence which would justify modifying the current management strategy of reducing crop and forestry damage through a reduction in sika numbers to ca 25% of the peak population (Matsuda et al 1999, Kaji 2000.…”

“…The primary aim of the programme is to reduce crop predation by deer. Harvesting levels for Hokkaido rose sharply from 13,000 to 46,000 during 1990-1996, roughly stabilising thereafter and representing an annual offtake of about 25% of the estimated population (Matsuda et al 1999). …”

“…Hunting of males recommenced in 1953, culling of female crop predators in the later 1980s, and regular hunting for females in 1994 (Matsuda et al 1999). Since 1997 a feedback management programme has been instituted with the intention of stabilising populations at ca 25% of the 1993 level through aggressive female culling (Matsuda et al 1999, Kaji 2000.…”

“…Since 1997 a feedback management programme has been instituted with the intention of stabilising populations at ca 25% of the 1993 level through aggressive female culling (Matsuda et al 1999, Kaji 2000. The primary aim of the programme is to reduce crop predation by deer.…”

Invasive species management in two‐patch environments: agricultural damage control in the raccoon (Procyon lotor) problem, Hokkaido, Japan

“…As an example from native species control problems, sika deer management program is well-known, which has been enforced since 1998 in Hokkaido, Japan. In this program, Hokkaido is divided into several regions and area-wise control strategies are undertaken (Matsuda et al, 1999).…”