Analysis of the development and spatial distribution of sika deer (Cervus nippon) populations on the territory of the Czech Republic

Abstract

This paper gives an analysis of the size of populations of sika deer (Cervus nippon) that were introduced to the Czech Republic at the end of the 19th century. Control methods are applied to underlying data taken from the official statistics of the Czech Statistical Office with the aim to check retrospectively their accuracy. Based on statistical data of third-level territorial administrative units available, the recent population expansion of sika deer in the Czech Republic is evaluated as well as the manner and intensity of their spread into new, previously unpopulated areas. Results of applied control methods indicate errors in population management due to underestimation of overall population size data, in particular in the category of female deer.