Sika deer as an alien species: Perception in scientific literature and ecological traits of non-native populations

Laura Saggiomo

Doctoral thesis

Abstract:

The introduction of alien species represents the second most dramatic cause of biodiversity loss all over the world as they may negatively affect the genetic diversity of native species and represent a major problem to both conservation strategies, and the functionality of ecosystems. In Europe, the sika deer (Cervus nippon) is currently recognized as a source of severe damages to both local flora and fauna. One of the European countries hosting the biggest populations of sika deer is the Czech Republic, where the species was introduced in 1891 and now represents a threat to the native species and the ecosystem. The situation is different in the neighbouring country Austria, where sika deer are not spread across the majority of the country but are present in only a few local subpopulations. The results of this thesis emphasize the importance of planning better managements actions, design more adequate hunting seasons, and increase the knowledge on the sika deer ecological traits, one above all, its diet and food habits.

Keywords

Sika deer, Diet, Hunting management, Bibliometric

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 29. 9. 2021

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: prof. Ing. Jaroslav Červený, CSc.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences

Doctoral programme / field:
Forestry Engineering / Forest Protection and Game Management