The mesola red deer: Present numbers and conservation perspectives

摘要: Most likely, the red deer Cervus elaphus of Mesola Wood (about 1000 ha; NE Italy) are only native peninsular Italy and a national conservation priority. This population shows morphological genetic peculiarities is threatened because its very small distribution range, low numbers, reduced variability interspecific competition with allochtonous fallow Dama dama . In this paper an assessment provided numbers relative densities deer, to evaluate effects actions during last 15 years (e.g. culling supplementary feeding) on status former. Between July October 2010, 148 were counted, balanced sex-ratio. Red productivity was low: birth rate in 2010 0.28 post-winter-recruitment 2011 0.21 calves/adult female. Apart from calves, yearlings about 10% individuals, both sexes. concentrated (ca. 100 ha) sector study area where feeding provided. By contrast, showed greater (0.52 fawns/female) relatively more homogeneous than deer. decade, have doubled, suggesting favourable effect management measures their status. The gradual decline annual finite increase may indicate that close carrying capacity Reserve. Present would allow use 20-40 individuals found at least 1 new suitable area. should go decrease impact natural food resources reduce dependence latter feeding.