NEWS Specialist

LETTER Group News Newsletter No. 14 March 1998

INSIDE Rare and Endangered Deer Rare and Endangered Deer Symposium held during Symposium held during 7th International Theriological 7th International Congress in Acapulco, Theriological Congress in September 1997 ...... 1 Peary Caribou Update - Canada Acapulco, September 1997 ...... 3 Deer Status in China ...... 4 Conservation of Manipur Sangai A deer symposium was co-organized by ...... 4 Dr. Lixing Sun and Don Moore during the News about Bactrian Deer in 7th International Theriological Congress in Usbekistan and Turkmenistan5 Acapulco, September '97. 12 papers and Management Strategy for Taimyr 16 posters on deer biology were ...... 6 scheduled the day of the symposium, and Analysis of mitochondrial DNA many will be published as a group in the variation in from future. A summary of presentations Hesse (Germany) ...... 7 follows: Corsican Red Deer on Corsica Michael Smith presented a paper on and Sardinia ...... 7 "The importance of genetics to the Description of elaphus conservation of deer" and Rick Purdue corsicanus ...... 8 presented a paper co-written with Michael Pampas deer population trend in Smith entitled "Patterns of genetic Bahía Samborombón, Buenos differentiation among mainland and island Aires Province, Argentina. 9 populations of white-tailed deer"; abstracts Huemul surveys in protected are available from the author. areas of Southern Chile .. 10 Lixing Sun's paper on "Social Organization of the Chinese : Deer Specialist Group Conservation Implications" was about social behavior of Hydropotes inermis at News Poyang Lake Nature Reserve, Jiangxi, Correspondence should be sent China. Males of this species were to: Dr. Chris Wemmer territorial during the mating season, but Chairman, Deer Spec. Group females were not, and during the non- Conservation & Research Center mating season neither sex was territorial. 1500 Remount Rd. The average group size was 1.45 (+/- .23 Front Royal, Virginia 22630 SE), with an increasing trend from the USA fawning to the mating season; groups of OR: 2-3 individuals constituted 90.06% of all groups. Group size was greater in tall Dr. Michael Green grass areas (mean=1.79) than in short Vice-Chairman grass areas (mean=1.49) during the Deer Specialist Group mating season, which is an interesting World Conservation Monitoring Centre finding for habitat/group size theory. A 219c Huntingdon Rd. conservation implication of this CB3 0DL Cambridge, England observation is that local grass-cutting P 2 Deer Specialist Group News practice may impose a subtle yet conducted aerial surveys for Pampas conservation genetics of these potentially significant effect through deer at Bahia de Samborombon, species. disrupting the natural social finding 112.08 +/- 18.74 . Olga Pereladova and Antoine organization pattern of the deer. This was compared to previous work Sempere, and Professor Dang Huy However, over-hunting remains the by Mariano Gimenez-Dixon who Huynh, offered papers on major problem facing conservation of found larger numbers, leading the endangered deer in this endangered species. authors to conclude that the (Former Soviet states) and Viet Nam, Susana Gonzalez presented a population has been declining at the but were not able to attend the paper by Chris Wemmer entitled rate of 4% per year. Some Congress at the last minute. The "Conservation status of the world's individuals may have moved to local Bukhara deer (Cervus elaphus cervids", which updated participants pastures, but the recovery of bactrianus) is endangered, and on the status of the IUCN Deer this population will be hinderred if populations have declined seriously Action Plan. provincial reserves are not from 900 animals in 1990; some There were several papers on the implemented. Don Moore and areas cannot even be checked for endangered Pampas deer Dietland Muller-Schwarze reported deer due to civil unrest. Nine cervids (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) of the on mortality of Pampas deer fawns in are found in Viet Nam, of which 6 are South American grassland and and results of computer endangered; these species are savana habitats. Susana Gonzalez modelling of fawn and adult mortality. apparently declining due to ongoing and her colleagues reported on One-sixth of all fawn mortality has hunting pressure and habitat loss. "Pampas Deer Population Genetics -- been caused by poaching by humans Shingo Miura presented a poster Implications For Conservation". Their in the area, and modelling suggests for the afternoon poster session, paper characterized the genetic that additive mortality (="harvest") of entitled "The home range of the structure of Pampas deer in six only 3 male and 3 female fawns lesser Mouse-deer ( isolated populations from Brazil west annually from a core population of javanicus) as revealed by a radio to the most critically endangered 400 deer would increase the tracking study. Home range size isolated populations in Argentina. probability of extinction of this differed between sexes, with means They found that the mitochondrial population within 100 years to over of 8.6 ha for females and 12.4 ha for region examined had one of the 20%. The authors presented males. Preliminary observation of highest diversities in any recommendations for conservation of behavior during this study showed (Gonzalez pers. comm.): in 54 deer the species through control of over 90% of observations were of sequenced there existed 45 different anthropogenic mortality. solitary individuals, and that the genotypes. Each isolated population Peter Dratch presented an species may not be nocturnal but had several genotypes, and shared interesting paper by he and Amy may be inconspicuous in its diurnal none of them. These populations are Shima entitled "Forensic behavior. well-defined in a phylogeographic Identification of South American and Jose Cartes and Victoria Rosati concordant pattern. The authors' Asian Deer Species." The US Fish presented a poster on grey brocket conservation-centered conclusion is and Wildlife Service Forensic deer (Mazama gouazoubira) that, even though present population Laboratory is mandated to assist all distribution, diet and habitat use in sizes are small, this is due to human- CITES signatory countries with Argentina. This species' populations related factors and habitat problems of wildlife identification, are declining in the western chaco fragmentation rather than a historical and has successfully identified where it feeds on woody browse. The bottleneck. Alejandro Vila presented evidence from deer species in over authors found that canopy cover, two papers about the Pampas deer 500 cases. The authors tested shrub density and shrub diversity conservation effort being lead by samples from 15 species of South were the most important variables Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina American and Asian deer. Samples related to grey habitat at Campos del Tuyu Wildlife Reserve were tested for species by isoelectric use. Rosati and colleagues reported near Buenos Aires. The FVSA team focussing followed by staining for a in another paper that, although tranquilized 7 Pampas deer in panel of proteins that are found in wildlife use in the region is low and December 1995, and collected blood both tissue and blood, and were irregular, grey brocket are one of from the deer and local cattle. tested for family by double diffusion several mammalian species hunted Serology for foot and mouth disease using commercially available cervid for food and sport. (ELISA), epizootic hemmorhagic antiserum. was the only The FVSA group put together disease of deer (AGID) and species that did not react with cervid some very interesting posters, bruccelosis was negative for all deer, antiserum, consistent with its including "Advances in the but 3/7 presented low titers for classification in a separate family. knowledge about the Huemul in the Leptospirosis; other tests were The authors conclude that their Moyano Valley, Los Glaciares pending at the time of the methods should prove useful in National Park", educational strategies presentation. The FVSA team also wildlife law enforcement and for the conservation of Pampas deer P 3 Deer Specialist Group News and Huemul in Argentina, and to only ca. 450 in 1996, based on unfavorably for the caribou. The Pampas deer mortality around Bahia Canadian Wildlife Service studies. This Government of the Northwest Territories Samborombon. There was an inverse 2-year loss all but wiped out two decades Wildlife Division will carry out a relationship between increasing cattle of recovery! systematic aerial survey in July 1997 to sign (an index to intensity of use) and Although the most recent impact of determine the fate of the Peary caribou winter 1996/97 on Peary caribou has not on both the south-central and huemul numbers in P.N. Los yet been evaluated, the winter started out southwestern QEI. Those islands, which Glaciares, and despite protection as include the major islands of Melville a natural monument, 52 Pampas (42,220 km2), Bathurst (16,090 km2), and deer died between 1993 and 1996, Prince Patrick (15,830 km2) and their 48.1% due to anthropogenic causes. respective small satellite islands, form More information is available from the entire “heartland” for Peary caribou Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina, on the QEI (ca. 416,000 km2 collective- Defensa 245, (1065) Buenos Aires, island landmass). The Peary caribou Argentina. “heartland” represents less than 20% of Sonia Gallina, Joaquin Bello, the entire range but it held 80% of all the Salvado Mandujano and others put Peary caribou estimated on the QEI in 1961, when they were at their all-time together an excellent group of known high - ca. 26,000. posters on the different subspecies of The Recovery of Nationally whitetail deer throughout Mexico. Endangered Wildlife (RENEW) Peary Topics included home range size and Caribou Recovery Team has proposed seasonal movements in scrubland that if <400 caribou are seen on the 1997 habitat, association of whitetail deer aerial survey or the survey yields an (by cluster analysis and PCA) with estimate for the entire “heartland” of vegetation types, and habitat use in <400 Peary caribou (calculated at the tropical deciduous forest. The lower 70% CL) a capture program should authors can be contacted at Instituto be initiated. The capture effort would de Ecologia, A.C. AP 63, CP 91000, allow the preemptive development of rearing and reproduction procedures for Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Peary Reported by Don Moore, with thanks to all above authors who provided abstracts for this summary (apologies to those inadvertantly not included here due to lack of abstract). The co-organizers would like to thank the Mexican organizing committee and student volunteers for an excellent job! Peary Caribou Update - Canada

Frank Miller Canadian Wildlife Service Environmental Conservation Branch Room 200, 4999-98 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3

Peary caribou face a precarious existence on harsh Canadian High Arctic Islands. Two recent winters (1994/95 & 1995/96) with extremely unfavorable snow/ice conditions have caused a precipitous decline in the number of Peary caribou on south-central Queen Elizabeth Islands (QEI) and possibly elsewhere throughout the entire QEI. The Peary caribou population on the south-central QEI has plummeted by 85% from an estimated ca. 3000 in 1994 P 4 Deer Specialist Group News caribou held in a restrictive “captive” Washington state). This time, we environment (zoo enclosure). The team Deer Status in China observed no less than 80 white-lipped members believe that the capture of 25 deer, including a single band of 77. The Peary caribou, although not without risk Dr. Richard B. Harris total observed might have been as high of failure, would be desirable to help University of Montana as 86, if all observations were of unique safeguard against the possible loss of 218 Evans individuals. Again, they appeared to this unique Canadian subspecies of Missoula, MT 59801 move frequently and over long distances, Rangifer. Currently, the principal so judging duplication among the lone question in the perceived need for direct During the past few years, I’ve males observed was difficult. (As is my human intervention in the preservation of conducted wildlife surveys in remote custom, I report only the number of Peary caribou is whether the recent parts of the Tibetan plateau in Qinghai animals “observed” if I have no rigorous catastrophic annual losses are the result province, China. During the summers way of estimating the total number of of variation in the natural climate or is and autumns of 1988-1990, I was animals “present”). this decimation linked to the initial stage engaged in an (attempted) study of musk In any case, we have little doubt that of - anthropogenic climate change - on deer in the very southern-most portion of white-lipped deer have increased in this the Canadian Arctic Archipelago? If the the province (roughly 32 degrees N., 96 area during the past few years. It is a Peary caribou are simply caught in an degrees E). While there, I had the welcome bit of good news, but should be unfavorable, but temporary phase of opportunity to observe large herds (200+) tempered by the fact that this area natural climatic cycles that have always of white-lipped deer (Cervus albirostris), remains essentially unmanaged and been part of their environment - they, in and thus gained some familiarity with unprotected (despite the flurry of all likelihood, would persist unaided and that species. publications from me urging some eventually recover to safer and usable During 1991-1992, I worked farther action), and that populations such as this numbers. If recent losses are, however, north, in an area known as Yeniugou one of C. albirostris thus continue to exist linked to and a preamble of the (“Wild Valley”; roughly 36 degrees N, largely at the whim of the itinerant subsequent consequences of 93-94 degrees E). That work is now all poaching gangs that have access to the anthropogenic weather changes - the published, including Mammalia 1995, place. Lately, their attention has been continued well-being of free-ranging 59(2):197-212. When we first arrived in concentrated on Peary caribou is in serious doubt - and, Yeniugou, our host, Mr. Cai Guiquan of (Pantholops hodgsoni), which they’ve thus, justifies human intervention as a the Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology succeeded in eliminating from the valley needed precautionary action. (Chinese Academy of Sciences) in altogether. With their rather late rut (and Xining, Qinghai believed that white-lipped thus presence of velvet antlers well into deer were absent entirely from this area. September), these white-lipped deer are (He’d not observed them during previous also vulnerable. But at least we can visits to the area, and Kaji et al. (Mammal surmise that the past few years have Rev. 1989, Vol. 19, No. 1, 35-44) been kind to this species here. (Another suggest that the species’ distribution did possibility is that a severe snowstorm in not extend that far to the northwest.) March 1996 that was centered further However, during our 1991/1992 surveys, southeast -- presumably more the center we observed white-lipped deer a total of of white-lipped distribution -- caused a 6 times. Group sizes were 1, 1, 6, 8, 7, movement northwest into the area). and 9. These small groups appeared to be constantly “on the move” -- each time we attempted to repeat one of the Conservation of observations (i.e. on the subsequent day), we were unsuccessful in finding Manipur Sangai them. As well, our local guide, a Kazakh herdsman who had grown up in the area, Dr. K.H. Shamungou confirmed to me that white-lipped deer D.M. College of Science were seen only occasionally during his Imphal 795 001, Manipur, India childhood in the valley. Local Kazakhs acknowledged the species as a resident - There are three basic requirements to - but rarely seen -- part of the indigenous be strictly preserved in the Keibul Lamjao fauna. Needless to say, we were National Park (KLNP), for the survival of reluctant to estimate a total herd size the world’s most endangered cervid, the based on this scanty information, and sangai (Cervus eldi eldi): (1) the could only guess that the total thickness of phumdi (floating morass) in abundance must be <100, and probably the home range area (Figure 1) must be <50. maintained at about 1 meter; (2) the During September 1997, I had an fodder and the shelter grasses must be opportunity to re-visit this area, along preserved in a proportion of 1:1; and, (3) with a colleague, Chris Loggers (who, in human presence in the breeding grounds “real life”, works as a district biologist for must be prevented during rutting season. the U.S. Forest Service in eastern I have been concerned about these P 5 Deer Specialist Group News factors since the 1980s. My earlier view the park. The swampy nature of the Center. was that as a result of the Loktak Project place made this species sproud all year d. The establishment of a Center of the thickness of phumdi was decreasing. round, and provided green fodder to the Research Studies. A stage would eventuallyshortly arrive deer throughout the year. Again, this when the thickness of phumdi shrinks to grass and the stolons of Ishing kambong about 80 cm or less, a condition that () are quick colonizers of may not be able to support the weight of open water and form the floating base of an adult deer (Shamungou, 1990 & the phumdis. 1992). The worst has come true. The The rutting period of Sangai falls from phumdis and the vegetation profile late January to early April, the peak being around the center of activity of the deer late February to March. For a population (i.e. the Thanbralyangbi, Pabot and Toya of about 2 heads/sq. km the duration is hillocks) were seriously affected. rather short. However, this may be (Ranjitsinh, DSG Newsletter #13, another special adaptation of the deer to observed an improved condition of Keibul this peculiar floating habitat. With Lamjao when the real situation worsens.) increases of lake level during rainy It looks as if the phumdis towards the season the settled phumdi are detach Sagram were affected more strongly, but from the ground and float, a condition confirmation studies are still in progress. quite unsuitable for the deer to their During my 11 field trips of 1995 - 1996, I rutting activities (usually thick phumdi are found open water places that had been settled during dry months coinciding with engulfed by drifting phumdi; a boat canal the rutting season of the deer). Besides, 4-5 feet wide at the entrance of the park any sort of human disturbance (fire, reed had expanded several feet or shrunk to and vegetable collection, helicopter such a narrow gauge that it was difficult sound during census, etc.) in this period for a boat to row out. Similar stories may frighten the deer and prevent them were also told by the locals and staff. from breeding freely and successfully. Here is an observation made on May 17, A threatened population of less than 1996 in the Hourou-phumlak area: 100 head (143 animals consisting of 57 The phumdi in this region is drifting. males, 65 females, and 21 fawns [Forest This is evident from the position of a Department, 1996], and 43 animals piece of phumdi of about 20 x 50 sq. m. consisting of 15 stags, 20 hinds, and 8

(marked A1 in Figure 2). The same piece fawns [Ranjitsingh, 1996]) is now was located in the position marked A last preserved in Keibul Lamjao. This is also year. Similarly the original site of a small an equally threatened habitat and with the present trend of destruction and tree (marked B1 in Figure 2) was formerly at the position marked B. The reason for disruption both the deer and the habitat such a sluggish clockwise rotation of may survive only as long as 2 - 3 phumdi in this area may be the presence of Chinmei hill on the south and paddy fields on the west, both of which act as barriers. Otherwise the phumdi would have drifted out. The story on the Sagram side of the park is different. Here, on all three sides - east, north, and west - is open lake water. Therefore, a loose phumdi sheet could easily escape into the lake with or without animals on it. Such an unwanted scene is now happening and should be checked out immediately before the decades. In this context, therefore, the condition worsens. According to the park park is to be recognized as one of the authority, as many as six kai (a pyramid world’s highest priority areas for shaped earthen tower, 4-5 meters high conservation concern and the following and 6 meters at the base) were multidisciplinary efforts to save this constructed as measures to prevent the habitat and endemic species are deemed drifting of phumdi. necessary. During the 1980s, the proportion of a. The creation of a permanent Water fodder to shelter grasses was Level Management Plan of KLNP. approximately 1:1 (58% of fodder and b. The development of a rescue 42% shelter plants). A short grass center near the park and a “second known as hup (Learsia hexandra) was home” a short distance away. extensively recorded in several places of c. The initiation of a Captive Breeding P 6 Deer Specialist Group News

Bactrian Deer in Usbekistan and Turkmenistan

K. Lachenmaier Landesjagdverband Baden-Württemberg, E.V. Kernerstrasse 9 7000 Stuttgart 1, Germany

A hundred years ago, the Bactrian were reduced to only one last season, viable populations. Earnings from deer, Cervus elaphus bactrianus, was which then had to switch to undescribed Trophy hunting are planned to force widely distributed in alluvial plains and “commercial activities“ to survive. protection actions in GUS Republics of gallery forests of . Bactrian Now a modern breeding station in the region. Deer is a somewhat distinct race of Red Usbekistan is planned, as Ivanovic However, there are also doubts about Deer and easily distiguished from Maral, reports in a German hunting-magazine the re-investment of hunting earnings Cervus elaphus maral, occuring in (Die Pirsch, 16/97). With scientific and into conservation. Bukreev and Uzbekistan too. The typical habitat of financial help from a French scientific Lukarevski (1997), two former Bactrian Deer in the deserts and semi- institute for wildlife biology, a new researchers in Turkmenistan`s reserves deserts is the thick bushland and gallery enclosure with a breeding station is to be describe the current practise of trophy forest along the rivers, namely the Amu- erected in Sarawschan Reserve not far hunting in the former Russian republic as Darja and its tributaries. Together with from Samarkand. The growing breeding a business of corruption and the destruction of the gallery forest, population should lead to the release of mismanagement. If continued, they write numbers of Bactrian Deer declined captive stocks into the wild. In several in Russian Conservation News, drastically. reserves, namely the Kaschkadarja commerial hunting will soon lead to the The situation in the early 1990s was region, the protection of Bactrian Deer is complete extinction of , Bustard not clear. Free-ranging populations in guaranteed. and Houbara Bustard in Turkmenistan. Tadshikistan could have been extirpated, Ivanovic also reports, that small scale The Asian Leopard and Bactrian Deer and there was no information about trophy hunting of Bactrian deer occurs in face a similar predictament. populations in . Breeding neighbouring Turkmenistan. The Cites stations for reintroduction in Usbekistan list II species can be hunted in a few, but Management Strategy for Taimyr Reindeer Victor Nikiforov WWF Russian Programme Office

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is In areas of intensive migration of wild reindeer launched by five environmental organisations in developing a project for sustainable management in Eastern Taimyr, domestic reindeer livestock Norway. of the wild reindeer population of Taimyr, where has been dramatically reduced to an estimated The project aims to: reindeer represent a resource vital to the 30,000-40,000 from former levels of 80,000- -analyse the current population situation and livelihood of several indigenous groups. The 90,000. There is also difficulty in finding a pasture resources; Taimyr reindeer project aims to produce a market for reindeer meat and this also has -analyse the economic potential in the wild management plan and a regional agreement on negative consequences for the indigenous reindeer population connected to hunting and reindeer use in concert with local indigenous economy. In addition, there are serious pollution recreation in the new market economy, uncover peoples groups. poblems in parts of the area connected with changes in domestic reindeer pasture use after Taimyr Peninsula in Northern Siberia, industrial activitiy in Norilsk. earlier agricultural reforms and transition from Russia, is home to Eurasia´s largest population The complicated situation demands a careful “siida“ (extended family household) to family economy household; of wild reindeer. The area has several analysis and a new model for reindeer population -make a comparative analysis of the role of wild indigenous groups such as Nganasan, Dolgan, management in this enormous area. At present, reindeer hunting / reindeer herding to the five Nenets, Evenk and Ents whose culture and people in the Taimyr Autonomus region debate indigenous groups in their traditional economy; and economy are based either on hunting of wild whether the wild reindeer numbers 600,000- -make it possible to create organised and reindeer or domestic reindeer herding. While a 700,000 or only 250,000-300,000. formal structures to manage wild reindeer and stable management regime was established for The project focuses on Taimyr, an area of regulate usage among the user groups and the 2 Taimyr reindeer in the 70`s and 80`s, the change 400,000 km with a population of approximately territorial units, draw borders between wild and in regime has led to a large influx of hunters from 400,000. Of these, around 320,000 live in the domestic reindeer and ensure indigenous peoples outside and increased hunting from the Russian industrial city of Norilsk and 40,000 live in the priority rights to the natural resources. communities in the area (pressured by small towns of Dudinka, Khatanga and Dickson. upheavals in the economy). Today, state control The indigenous people connected to reindeer over hunting of wild reindeer is virtually non- number in the thousands. The reindeer summer existent. There are numerous problems pastures north of the treeline are nearly associated with the traditional use of nature by unpopulated except for a few thousand Russians small groups of indigenous people of the north. in Dickson and Cheluskin. During the last 10-15 years a significant portion The WWF project is one of many of indigenous people have been forced out of international environmental projects that will reindeer hunting by brigades of newcomers. recieve a portion of the proceeds from a fundraising campaign - TV-Aksjonen `96 - P 8 Deer Specialist Group News P 8 Deer Specialist Group News

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA variation in In view of the contemporary anyone’s guess, but since arriving home Red Deer from Hesse (Germany) management of Red Deer populations in I have, at the request of the Sardinian F. Jäger, W. Hecht, A. Herzog Germany we expect a pronounced Forest Service, the body entrusted with Justus-Liebig-University decrease of genetic variation in Red Deer the care of these deer, forwarded several Veterinary Genetics and Cytogenetics subpopulations, as long as they are kept papers from New Zealand on the pellet Hofmannsstr. 10 strictly isolated. counting method. These are the work of 35392 Giessen, Germany L.C. Batcheler, a highly respected New Zealand biologist. Genetic information in higher The Sardinian feral populations are eucaryotes is subdivided into a nuclear Corsican Red Deer on considered to be six hundred head on the and a mitochondrial compartment. The Monte Sette Fratelli Range Reserve to mitochondrial genome is small in size Corsica and Sardinia the east of Cagliari, a further six hundred (approx. 16,500 base pairs versus 3x109 head on the southern end of the Iglesiete base pairs in the nucleus). It is also Range, and another two hundred in the apparently maternally inherited, and is Bruce Banwell northern tip of the same range, near the essential for the cell’s energy “Ma Fiadh”, 39 Lane Street, town of Guspini. The latter two metabolism. Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand populations are situated to the west of Mitochondrial DNA variation (i.e. the highway connecting Cagliari and the variation in base sequence) is Arrangements had been made, town of Cristano. There are a further determined by the evolutionary forces of through the respective embassies here in thirty odd animals held for research mutation and selection. The frequency New Zealand, for my wife and I to be purposes in an enclosure a few and distribution of different haplotypes allowed the privilege of observing Cervus kilometres inland from the town of in populations are further influenced by elaphus corsicanus, the Corsican Red Capoterra and, according to our drift and migration. deer, on both Corsica and Sardinia. This informants, a further ten small A total of 67 Red Deer samples from project was to be part of an overall enclosures scattered over the island. I 10 different locations in Hesse were ambition to view the entire spectrum of am quite confident that the overall analyzed by PCR techique and restriction the species across the northern population at present on Sardinia would analysis of the mitochondrial DNA hemisphere from MacGillicuddy’s Reeks be in excess of fifteen hundred head, control region. Seven different in the west to the Rocky Mountains in the suggesting that this species is now out of haplotypes (AAA, BAB, BBA, AAB, BAA, east. danger from extinction. CAA, ABA) were detected. The staff of the Parc Naturel Regional While visiting the Monte Sette Fratelli There is obviously no arrangement de Corse arranged for me to inspect the Reserve, my wife and I were treated to a due to a geographical pattern. With a two main enclosures on the island of visit to the interesting museum at the single exception, in populations bearing Corsica, firstly at Cateraggio, and Forest Service Headquarters there, more than one variant, the haplotypes secondly at Quenza. The third which presents a wide scope of the can be related to each other by one enclosure, established at Casabionda, taxonomical features of this rare and mutational step (e.g. AAA and AAB in contains eighteen animals, all being interesting sub-species. We also spent Ostharz). In Reinhardswald, the Red prepared for release in the wild and some hours on the high clearings near Deer population exhibits 3 variants. The under the general policy of “the less the top of the ranges, sighting a feeding most common haplotype in this area human contact the better”. This was hind and hearing several other groups of (BAB) was not detected in any other very happily respected. There are forty- animals in the dense cover. Intermittent population. We explain this finding as a four head at Cateraggio, enclosed on a roaring was noted. result of the release of Hungarian deer french prison farm and which is situated In my opinion, given the present into the area in the 1980s. Additionally, about halfway down the east coast of the dedication and attention afforded these this variant requires at least two island. At Quenza, a village near the deer by the staff of the respective mutational steps, if it originated from the larger town of Zonza at the southern end authorities continuing, this interesting most common type AAA. of the island, a further enclosure holds and once severely threatened race of The most likely explanation for the some twenty-four animals, all in excellent Red deer is now out of danger. There observed distribution pattern is that condition. The combined populations of seems to be no reason why the wild genetic drift leads to a loss of variants in these two enclosures, plus the eighteen Sardinian populations should not remain single populations. Therefore the genetic at Casabionda total, therefore, eighty-six static, or increase, while the program on variation in a single population is always head, all descendants of the four Corsica suggests further significant lower, than in the population as a whole. animals, two stags and two hinds, sent escalation in numbers there over the next In contrast, the relatively high variation in to Corsica from Sardinia in 1985, some few years, and ultimately leading to re- Reinhardswald is due to migration of twenty years after this sub-species was establishment in the wild. I was most foreign animals into this area. This declared extinct on that island. impressed with the dedication of those hypothesis is further strengthened by a The wild populations on Sardinia have charged with the responsibility of deficit of heterozygotes at a nuclear been assessed by the counting of mating ensuring the survival of this unique race enzyme coding locus in the Hessian groups, each individual group being, in of deer, in particular the staff of the Parc population, which we observed in turn, assessed by the number of rutting Naturel Regional de Corse on Corsica. another study. stags. Just how accurate his rather old- fashioned method happens to be is P 9 Deer Specialist Group News

museum at Sette Fratelli, the only spectrum of the Pannonian Maral. It is specimen noted carrying these additions. interesting to note some similarities with Description of Cervus This set was considered to be the best the Pannonian maral still existing from Sardinia. The largest set I could including the roar and the pattern and elaphus corsicanus locate measured 75 cm in length, 64 cm coloration of the caudal disc. However, in spread, 50 cm in span, and 14 cm in perhaps the environment presented by Bruce Banwell beam. Length over curve of the same the topography, vegetation and climate “Ma Fiadh”, 39 Lane Street, Ashburton, skull measured 41 cm, the overall range of these Mediterranean islands has Canterbury, New Zealand being from 38 cm to 41 cm. There were caused ecological changes, ultimately signs of genetic malformations in a resulting in some characteristics now in Body Size: Rather small, probably number of stags which, of course, can be line with the Western European Red marginally larger than the northern expected in a restricted gene base, deer, or Atlantic races, such as the Chinese Sikas, stags reaching a especially in the case of Corsica. These longer and darker coat and the heavier maximum of 120 kilos, most of them odd configurations within the populations mane. probably between 90 and 100 kilos, while of both islands include such examples hinds lie within the scale of 60 to 80 similar to the horns of a with Summary of Approximate Status kilos, most of them, however, in the short, hooked main beams, totally devoid lower range of that scale. of tines. Others carry antlers similar to CORSICA Coloration: In the majority of cases, those of a Roebuck, extremely short with (A) Cateraggio Enclosure ...... 44 the coat appears to be darker, or richer, three diminutive points on each side. (B) Quenza Enclsoure ...... 24 in shade than is usual within the There is another formation with side- (C) Casabionda ...... 18 “Atlantics”. Spotting is retained for a sweeping brow tines of exceptional Total on Corsica ...... 86 longer period amongst juveniles and is length, one such specimen, while master often faintly apparent in older animals as stag at Quenza enclosure, causing SARDINIA well, in particular along the rear flanks. mayhem amongst his adversaries while (A) Sette Fratelli Range ...... 600 Face and muzzle are of a darker shade sorting out the matter of hierarchy. (B) Iglesiente (south) ...... 600 of grey than is normal in Red deer of the Other notable characteristics: This (C) Iglesiente (north) ...... 200 atlantic races, with very distinctive rings race has very short legs in proportion to (D) Capoterra Enclosure ...... 20 of a lighter shade of brown surrounding body size. They appear to have slightly (E) Other small enclosures .... ~70 the eyes. A margin of the same shade larger ears than related sub-species. Total est. on Sardinia ..... 1,500 surrounds the nose and mouth. The rear However, the tail appears to be normal and frontal surrounds of the ears are of a size for Atlantics. The roar of the stag is Total est. population ...... 1,586 darker shade than I would consider deep in tone, but staccato like the normal for Red deer. The upper section Pannonian Maral, appearing to be of the caudal disc, that is above the tail, restricted to the master stag. It is this was rufous, falling away to pure white feature that concerns me in regard to the below the root of the tail and extending method used on Sardinia to ascertain well down on the inside of the leg, almost population levels. While at the enclosure to the hock. This area of white also at Cateraggio, observing a group of extends part way along the belly. The animals being fed grain, one notable traditional, blackish surround which feature was the tolerance of the master encircles the caudal disc, is not as stag towards the calves feeding pronounced as is the case with some alongside him, in complete contrast to races of Red deer, for example, Cervus his obvious intolerance of their dams and elaphus atlanticus, but, nevertheless, other males. reasonably significant. The black band Footnotes: Some of the down the backbone, is perhaps, more aforementioned morphological pronounced in some animals than is the characteristics appear to be very similar case in others, extending onto the root of to those of the much larger Pannonian the tail, but fading away to rufous on the Maral of the Drava/Danube system. lower portions of the tail itself. Legs and However, in other ways these Corsican forward underparts were the usual Red deer resemble the Atlantic races. It greyish shade. appears they have occupied these Pelage: The hair of the coat was quite islands for around 4,000 years, long, the stags displaying rather undoubtedly transplanted there by some impressive manes. The hair on the earlier civilization. It is the opinion of muzzle and facial areas is curled and some experts within this field, in longer than in most related races. particular an Austrian group, that there Antlers: There is an obvious absence are certain similarities, or connections, of bez tines in almost every set of with the Red deer of Bulgaria, the latter antlers, one example sighted in the which I consider to be within the P 10 Deer Specialist Group News Pampas deer population trend in Bahía Samborombón, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina M.L. Merino & B.N. Carpinetti 1

1 Pampas Deer Project. Ministerio de Asuntos Agrarios de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Calle 39 N° 1783 1/2. (1900) La Plata, Argentina

The Pampas deer (Ozotocerus bezoarticus) formerly occupied a wide range of natural grasslands in eastern , but has suffered substantial reduction in numbers and distribution (Jackson and Langguth 1987). In Argentina, the species (with two sub-species) is now confined to only a few sites. The main causes of decline are over-exploitation for hides, food and sport, but habitat destruction and modification have also made an impact. The more endangered sub-species (O. b. celer) may number less than 500 animals in the coastal population of Bahía Samborombón (Buenos Aires Province) and the inland population in parts of the San Luis Province (Merino 1994). There is little doubt that the species’ survival here is due to the region’s limited agricultural potential. The objective of our study is to document change at distribution and Figure 1. Study Zones - Zone 1 (Rio Salado - Canal 15); Zone 2 (Canal 15 - Canal 9); abundance of Pampas deer in Bahía Zone 3 (Canal 9 - Canal A); Zone 4 (Canal A - Canal 1); Zone 5 (Canal 1 - Ria de Ajo). Samborombón by means of aerial counts. The results of the censuses are compared with data obtained for grasslands, marismas and islands of 20'S 62º 20'W). All flightpaths were fixed Gimenez-Dixon (1991) using similar higher ground with trees and shrubs. The and transects were surveyed without methodology between 1984 - 1988 in the latter serve as refuges for wildlife during replacement at a speed of 120 km/hr at same area. floods. an altitude of 80 m. Bahía Samborombón is part of the Monthly aerial censuses were The number of deer was estimated by Río Salado Depression; 150 km of conducted on a CESSNA 172 throughout zone, using Jolly’s (1969) method for coastline from Punta Piedras in the 1995, 1996 and 1997. Prior to these, aerial surveys (Krebs 1989). The north to Cabo San Antonio in the four surveys were undertaken in July and distribution of animals in the area was south.The Bay is supplied by two main November 1994 to test methodologies. expressed as the percentage number of rivers (Salado and Samborombón) and During these flights, transects were animals counted per zone. by numerous smaller artificial waterways covered at 300-m, 900-m, 1500-m and The distribution of the Pampas deer is and rivers. The area is thus divided into 2100-m inland from the coast. Because restricted to a narrow strip, no more than 5 main zones: Zone 1 (Río Salado - no deer were detected along the 1500-m 2 km wide, in which 70.3% of the Canal 15, 27.18 km2 ), Zone 2 (Canal and 2100-m transects (and confirmed by population is concentrated. Moreover, 15 - Canal 9, 23.4 km2 ), Zone 3 ground surveys), only the outer two were over 50% of the entire population is (Canal 9 - Canal A, 7.2 Km2), Zone 4 flown for the current study. The resultant concentrated in two well-defined areas, (Canal A - Canal 1, 18.6 km2), Zone 5 flightpath was a belt transect stretching zones 1 and 5. The reason for this (Canal 1 - Ria de Ajó, 23.4 km2) (Fig. 1). from the mouth of the Río Salado (35º distribution could be the deer’s sensitivity Habitats comprise a mosaic of tall 19' S 56º 47' W) to the Ría de Ajó (36º to changes brought about by the cattle- P 11 Deer Specialist Group News ranching which takes place in the area KREBS, C.J. 1989. Ecological vital support from the British Council in between Ruta Provincial 11 and the Methodology. Harper and Row, New Santiago and from the Whitley coast. York. Protection Trust. This constitutes the The current estimated population for JACKSON, J.E. AND A. LANGGUTH. first large-scale, structured effort to the area was 81.2 deer, showing a clear 1984. Ecology and status of pampas deer assess huemul populations, other than reduction of 37.3% compared with in the Argentinian Pampas and Uruguay. CONAF’s regular drive counts in previous aerial census carried out by Biology and Management of the Cervidae Tamango National Reserve in the south Gimenez Dixon (1991) between 1984 (Wemmer ed.) Pp: 402-409. of the region. The surveys, carried out and 1988 (table 1). JOLLY, G.M. 1969. Sampling by Raleigh’s young volunteers under the The concentration of deer in zone 5 is methods for aerial censuses of wildlife leadership of UK wildlife biologists, are due to the 40 km distance between the populations. East African Agric. Forest. based on a pellet count methodology highway and the coast. This area is J. 34: 46-49. specifically developed by Dr. Robin Gill, already an important refuge as access MERINO, M.L. 1994.Situación del a senior biologist with the UK Forestry for humans is difficult and hunting "venado de las pampas" (Ozotocerus Commission who is overseeing the pressure is consequently lower. Merino bezoarticus Linneus 1758) en la project and acting as an advisor to both et al. (1993) detected a minimum of 5 República Argentina.Pp. 144-154. en Raleigh and CONAF. The use of animals hunted by poachers in two "Evaluación de la viabilidad de la enthusiastic volunteer manpower months for the whole of the bay; if this población y el habitat del "venado de las enables large areas to be intensively number remains constant an estimated pampas" (Ozotocerus bezoarticus surveyed, Raleigh’s logistical support 30 deer a year are hunted, which is Linneus 1758). Publicación del makes it possible to access remote 36.9% of the estimated population. UICN/SSC/CBSG Minnesota. Pp. 173. areas and the leadership of the wildlife The distribution of the deer population MERINO, M., A. VILA, AND A. biologists ensures consistency and is being fragmented. In 1988 (Gimenez SERRET. 1993. Relevamiento Biológico quality control in the data gathering. Dixon 1991) found that 37.9% of the de la Bahía Samborombón, Pcia. de To date, full surveys have been population was concentrated in zone 3, Buenos Aires. Boletín Técnico, No. 16: conducted in parts of Cerro Castillo whereas at present it is only 3.84%; a 46 pp. Fundación Vida Silvestre National Reserve, Lago Jeinimeni similar situation existed in 1968 Argentina. National Reserve and Laguna San (Bianchini and Luna Pérez 1972). This Rafael National Park. Biologists have can be attributed to severe pressures also visited a number of areas outside from cattle-ranching in the area, to Huemul surveys in protected areas. The evidence to date hunting pressures and to the impact of indicates that huemul populations are development works on canal 9 which is protected areas of generally small, highly localized and north of zone 3. Southern Chile many may be effectively isolated. The This result, together with a substantial causes of the huemul’s dramatic (and lower estimate for the deer population in Brian Ruckley almost certainly continuing) decline since comparison with previous studies, Raleigh International, Raleigh House, 27 colonization of Chile by Europeans are indicate the precarious condition of this Parsons Green Lane, London SW6 4HZ, likely to be varied, but a key current ungulate in this part of Argentina. United Kingdom factor that appears particularly important Acknowledgements. This research is http://www.raleigh.org.uk is the marked correlation between the funded by the Gerald Durrell Memorial presence of livestock (particularly cattle) Fund from the Jersey Wildlife The huemul ( bisculcus), and the absence of huemul. This link Preservation Trust and the Ministerio de a medium-sized deer endemic to appears so strong that in some parts of Asuntos Agrarios de la Provincia de southern Chile and Argentina, is protected areas the degree of incursion Buenos Aires. classified as endangered in the 1996 Red by cattle is probably the primary Reference List. Recent estimates of its total determinant of huemul distribution. The BIANCHINI, J.J. AND J. LUNA population vary between 1,000 and surveys are planned to continue for the PEREZ. 1972. Informe sobre la situación 2,000, but there remains a great deal of foreseeable future, and should gradually del ciervo de las pampas Ozotoceros uncertainty. Its main strongholds in Chile produce a much clearer idea not only of bezoarticus celer Cabrera 1943, en la are remote coastal areas and isolated overall huemul populations, but also Pcia. de Buenos Aires. Acta. Zoologica mountain valleys in the interior, making what the main threats to the continuing Lilloana. XXIX: 149-157. detailed study of its distribution and survival of the species are. GIMENEZ DIXON. M. 1991. numbers difficult. Estimación de parametros poblacionales Raleigh International, the UK youth del venado de las pampas (Ozotoceros development charity, and CONAF, the bezoarticus celer Cabrera, 1943 - Chilean forestry and protected areas Cervidae) en la costa de la Bahía de authority, both IUCN members, are Samborombón (Pcia. de Buenos Aires) undertaking an ongoing program of A partir de datos obtenidos mediante surveys to develop the first censos aéreos. Tesis U.N.L.P. pp 116. comprehensive picture of huemul distribution in the interior of Chile’s Region XI. The research has received P 12 Deer Specialist Group News

A POPULATION SURVEY TECHNIQUES Qualifications of Candidates: The ideal candidates will have a bachelors or masters degree in biological sciences; WORKSHOP a keen interest in ecology; first-hand field experience as a & researcher, field assistant, or protected area biologists. Individuals with relevant experience and the capacity to COORDINATED FIELD SURVEYS directly participate in management of the species in the for threatened South American deer region will be given priority. Selection of Candidates: will be made by a commission an initiative of the of South American specialists knowledgable of IUCN-SSC DEER SPECIALIST GROUP (DSG) conservation issues in the region (Dr. Susana Gonzalez, Lic. Mariano Merino, Dr. Mauricio Barbante-Duarte). Location: São Paulo and Pantanal region of Brazil (exact Purpose: To prepare a small elite force of South location to be arranged). American field biologists to implement the first phases of Time: December 1-11, 1998. the DSG Action Plan--namely to collect current and Duration of Workshop: 10 days statistically sound data on deer and livestock populations, Prospective Contributors: Seed funds have been threats to these populations, and other environmental secured from the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) for factors. the field surveys, but additional funding and in-kind Description: The DSG action plan has noted the lack of support is being solicited for the workshop and surveys reliable statistics for many populations of threatened deer. from the following organizations: Fundação de Amparo a This program--the first step necessary to mitigate the Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), Brazilian problem in South America, consists of an intensive hands- Institute for the Environment and Natural Renewable on workshop to intensively train a small number of field Resources (IBAMA), American Zoo and Aquarium (AZA) biologists to survey critical populations of 12 species of Brazil Fauna Interest Group, USFWS Western Hemisphere deer. The hands-on workshop will give participants skills in Program (WHP). using standardized census methodology, as well as a frame Applicants should submit a resume, 2 letters of of reference with respect to the DSG Action Plan. It is recommendation, and a one page statement of interest intended as “a means to an end”--the end being the explaining the relevance of the work to their job or compilation of current statistics on the status of threatened planned career (in Spanish or Portuguese) to Dr. Susana deer of South America. Gonzalez, Inst. Invest. Biol., Clemente Estable, Av. Italia The workshop participants will then be modestly financed 3318, CP 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay. FAX: 59-82- to conduct field surveys in targeted priority areas in their 475548; E-mail: [email protected]. respective countries. The resulting data will be analyzed and interpreted at a future workshop in South America (in DSG REGIONAL COORDINATORS 1999). The results will be published as a symposium or workshop proceedings. INSULAR SOUTH-EAST ASIA SOUTH AMERICA This program will provide quality information to assist Mr. William Oliver Lic. Susana Gonzalez wildlife decision-makers in conserving and managing Park End, 28A Eaton Rd. Division Citogenetica-IIBCE protected areas and threatened deer. Norwich, Norfolk Av. Italia 3318 NR4 6PZ CP 11600 Montevideo Desired Outcomes: (1) foster competent skills in United Kingdom Uruguay estimating ungulate populations using state-of-the art methodology; (2) facilitate and reinforce international AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND MAINLAND ASIA teamwork to conserve South America’s threatened deer; (3) Dr. A.W. English Dr. Michael J.B. Green obtain reliable estimates of ungulate populations (deer and Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Studies WCMC University of Sydney 219c Huntingdon Road livestock) that can be compared between regions and Private Mailbag 3 Cambridge CB3 0DL habitats; and (4) assess threats and human impacts on Camden 2570, Australia United Kingdom local populations of deer and their habitats. Scientific Coordinators: Susana Gonzalez (DSG NORTH AMERICA EUROPE AND NEAR-EAST Regional Coordinator, Latin America, Montevideo, Dr. James Peek Mr. Klaus Lachenmeier University of Idaho Landesjagdverband Uruguay), Mauricio Barbante Duarte (Professor, UNESP, Dept. of Fish. & Wildilfe Baden-Württemberg, E.V. São Paulo, Brazil), Lic. Mariano Merino (University of Moscow, Idaho 83843 Kernerstrasse 9 Buenos Aires, Argentina). 7000 Stuttgart 1 Instructors: Dr. Chris Wemmer (leader), Dr. Rudy Rudran Germany (tentative), Walfrido Thomas, Laurenz Pinder