Seasonal changes of time and space distribution, and daily activity pattern of yeso sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in eastern Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

Time and space behavior characteristic of yeso sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in natural vegetation area is the important information for management of yeso sika deer and have reported previously. However there is little information in the human utilizing area such as pasture. In order to clarify the seasonal changes of time and space distribution, and daily activity pattern of yeso sika deer, infrared-triggered camera sighting, spotlight census and road census were conducted during 2010-2014 in the forest area surrounded by pasture on eastern Hokkaido. We found that the daily activity of yeso sika deer was the most around dusk and dawn compared to the other time. In spring and summer, the density distribution of yeso sika deer was high at the forest edge borders on the pasture. However the density distribution in summer was lower than in spring. These results indicate that the habitat selection of yeso sika deer was scattered in summer. Around dusk in autumn, the density estimation was high at the forest edge borders on the pasture. To avoid the human activities such as vehicle, yeso sika deer selectively use the east side forest edge borders on the pasture where traffic was fewest.