Abstract
"Sika deer problems" in Japan are primarily thought of as pest problems affecting agriculture and forestry, although attention has recently been given to their effects on natural vegetation. In decision making regarding deer problems, the opinions of urban residents have relatively little influence. A problem that must be taken into account when planning deer management programs is the concern that sika deer are destroying natural habitats in Japan and therefore cannot be allowed to increase in number. There is also conflict between agriculture-oriented offices, which target damage control, and conservation-oriented offices, which target biodiversity conservation. Local officers are often influenced by mass communication, which may oversimplify the issue as one of deer population problems. Important information needed for effective deer management includes the proper evaluation of damage, vegetation, and deer habitats. Deer population assessment is of low priority. It is necessary to avoid repeating previous mistakes that considered deer population to be a high priority issue. Continuous monitoring by wildlife specialists for at least five years is essential.
