Abstract

RELVA, María Andrea  and  SANGUINETTI, Javier. Ecología, impacto y manejo del ciervo colorado (Cervus elaphus) en el noroeste de la Patagonia, Argentina . Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2016, vol.23, n.2, pp.221-238. ISSN 0327-9383.

Since its introduction a century ago, the red deer (Cervus elaphus) has expanded its range and increased in abundance, occupying all the available habitats in NW Patagonia. The high plasticity of red deer and the absence of barriers to limit its expansion give it high invasive potential. At the same time, red deer hunting is highly valued in the region, making it difficult to achieve management that reconciles conservation of Patagonian ecosystems with hunting of the species. In this paper we review and synthesize the main aspects of red deer ecology and its impact, identifying gaps in our knowledge and research needs in order to improve management plans. In forest communities, evidence shows that at high densities the red deer inhibits growth of the dominant tree species, alters species composition, simplifies the vertical structure of communities and facilitates the invasion of exotic plant species. Other consequences, such as the effect on the rest of the fauna or its role as disperser of native or exotic plant species, are less understood. Future research should also attempt to quantify the impact in terms of animal density gradient and the history of colonization in a wide range of habitats. Finally, we identify mistakes in historical and current management policies on red deer in Patagonia, and propose guidelines to be considered in the management of the species that will favor its control and not its expansion.

Keywords : Biological invasions; Deer; Management; Plant-herbivore interactions.