Morphometrics of Sika Calves and Hinds

• Charlie-Ann Perez, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Delaware

• Jacob Bowman, Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware

In 1916, 5 sika deer (Cervus nippon yakushimae) were introduced to James Island in Dorchester County, Maryland. The current Delmarva population is estimated to be between 10,000-20,000 individuals. Holding the largest free-range population of sika deer in the United States, Maryland’s Delmarva Peninsula is a main attraction for hunters worldwide (Bowman et al., 2022). Sika were not hunted for 35 years after being introduced, allowing the population to increase with native white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations (Bowman et al., 2022). Further research on sika is vital as local interest, agricultural damage, and hunting have increased over the past decade. Habitat selection and a flexible diet of various fresh and saltwater marsh plant species allow sika to thrive where white-tailed deer do not (Kalb et al., 2018). Little is known about the reproductive ecology of sika deer due to their recent introduction to the U.S. Therefore, it is necessary to gather further data on sika deer reproduction and calf survival rates to understand population ecology. The study area is Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland state lands, and private land. Adult female sika deer fitted with GPS VHF radio telemetry collars are monitored daily for survival and parturition events. My research goal is to collect morphometric data on sika calves and summarize hind measurements collected for 31 individuals throughout 2024. Calf processing procedures include collaring, ear tagging, weight, total length, and shoulder height.