Ecosystem and competition impacts of introduced deer

摘要: Numerous deer species have been introduced beyond their native range into ecosystems around the world. Their economic value leads to further accidental and deliberate releases lack of control is contributing expansion in Australia, South America Europe. Despite localised or regional concern, scale generality detrimental impacts not widely recognised. We review direct indirect on evidence for interspecific effects deer. In New Zealand, where large herbivores were previously absent, severe novel found susceptible forests. Even contain deer, invasion by taxonomically exotic carries risk cascade spatial plant dynamics forest composition. Patagonia, disrupted composition, whereas Europe, ecosystem can differ from those over-abundant Introduced Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) within a coniferous forestry landscape eastern England European roe (Capreolus capreolus) distribution herbivory among differing habitats, provide much lower rates endozoochorous seed dispersal. Frequent concern expressed that may other ungulates, although potential epidemiological investigated. Apparent competition, with prey resulting increased predation be occurring between American huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) southern pudu (Pudu puda). Habitat dietary overlap often substantial including exploitation competition likely. Evidence includes responses non-native negatively correlated changes population abundance, but demographic mechanisms demonstrated previously. England, habitat occurs high-density muntjac. This has shown reduction body weight fertility following establishment increasing abundance muntjac, compatible competition. also appear larger grazing red (Cervus elaphus) fallow (Dama dama). The particularly effective competitor sympatry intermediate concentrate feeders. There need investigation interactions species, wider recognition ecological