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Low cost GPS store only collar
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last update: November 08, 2006 |
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Tracking Red Deer in Belgium with GPS Collars
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by Peter Baert & Jim Casaer
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Background Red deer disappeared in Flanders around 1780, when the last animal was shot near Brussels. This large herbivore has a key-function in forested ecosystems via the creation of open spaces and gradients in forests and at the forest edges. Restoring habitats, defragmentation of landscapes via the construction of ecoducts also benefits other species. Red deer thus can be the ambassador for the construction of more coherent ecological networks. In 2003 a theoretical study was published (in Dutch) demonstrating parts of Flanders still can maintain several groups of red deer. As reintroduction is not without risk in a densely populated area such as Flanders (i.e. crop damage; traffic accidents), we opted for a reintroduction in two stages. A small scale pilot, followed by a larger scale reintroduction.
In November 2005 a group of fifteen animals was released in a fenced area of about
150ha. This group consisted of five males, eight females and two calfs. Seven of these animals – three males and four females - were collared using GPS-GSM collars.
The aims of this study were
Results Some of the results of this research are presented here. In summary we can say that All animals survived the winter. Only one male died shortly after release (handling stress).. As seen on the pictures animals are in excellent health. All females also had a calf. These results are an indication red deer indeed find the needed food and shelter in the area. Till now only one group was formed. The group of females was adopted by one dominant male (unfortunately not collared). The other males stay near the group, but make very few attempts to steal females (i.e. possibly because they are still very young?). Males are slightly more active (wander of more often, visit larger areas) then females. There seems thus far to no effect of the red deer on the presence of rare butterflies. Animals tolerate the presence of people remarkably well. They become alert once they see humans and if approached move away. They however can be approached relatively easy (150m in open field) and do not flee, but calmly walk away. They also do not attempt to attack people. Some damage to willows was noted (stripping) Animals use the complete area, be it the areas most frequented changed in the course of the year. Only open pastures with cattle are avoided.
Author's address:
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determine survival rate, reproduction of the animals
