Sika Deers - Conservation Status
Sika deer were long considered sacred animals in Japan. Now Sika deer of Taiwan, China, Siberia, Manchuria and Korea are hunted uncontrollably for food and commerce; their habitats are occupied by agriculture. Moreover, deer are the prey for wolves, foxes, lynx and feral dogs. So several species of Sika deer have been classified as endangered, but the species as a whole is thriving. Nowadays wild populations of Sika deer are established in Great Britain, New Zealand, and some European countries, Maryland, Texas and Oklahoma.
In Britain Sika deer are too widespread. Sikas tend to interbreed with Red deer, putting their genetic integrity at risk. Sika deer population should be kept to an acceptable level, and this is achieved with careful selection of animals. Dominant males and females shouldn't be hunted to avoid reducing the quality of the herd and to avoid allowing itinerant deer onto the land.
Sika Deers - Protection
In Europe Sika deer are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976. They may be hunted under license only. Stags are allowed to hunt from September to February and hinds from November to January.
Sika Deers - Economic Importance for Humans
Sika deer are valued for their antlers that are used in traditional medicine of China and some other countries.
On the other hand, when reaching a density of 50 individuals per 100 ha, Sika deer damage farmers' root crops, cereals, corn and soy and commercial forestry with their teeth and antlers.
Sika Deers - Conservation Links
Deer Commission for Scotland - This policy for sika deer throughout Scotland has been led by the Deer Commission for Scotland.
Deer of UK - Presents full information on the origin, nabits and development of Sika deer including photos and voices.
Deerland - A guide for hunters with essential info about deer.
Hokkaido Wildlife - Conservation and management plan for Sika deer.
Maryland's Sika Deer - Describes the Maryland population of Sika deer, their habitats and places to hunt.
New Zealand Sika - Sika society presents conservancy info, addresses of clubs, competition records, etc.
New Zealand Sika Deer - Information on hunting and management of Sika deer.
Oakland Zoo - Contains information on appearance, special adaptation and conservation of Sika Deer.
Sika Deer - Detailed information on Sika's way of life, management and hunting.
Sika Deer in Britain - Introduction of the species to Great Britain and brief information on its physical characteristics.
Sika Deer Stags - Surveys behavior and problems of conservation of Sika deer.
Sika. Cervus Nippon - General info on Sika deer including behavior, predators and habitat.
Smart Hunter - Sika deer hunting guide.
The British Deer Society - Tells about all deer of Britain, their habits, description and management.
The Deer Initiative - Presents management plans for Sika deer and other deer of UK.
The Mammals of Texas - Describes Sika deer, their habits and distribution.
The Sika Deer Unit - A survey on professional deer management.
The Sika Deer Unit - Gives information on shooting and management of Sika deer.
Total Hunter - A guide for hunters of the USA.
Wild Deer - Association of Ireland tells about the origin, breeding and habits of Sika deer.
