Lutra 58(1)_Hollander_2015

Reeves’ muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and sika deer (Cervus nippon) in the Netherlands

Both Reeves’ muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and sika deer (Cervus nippon) are non-indigenous to the Netherlands. In other European countries these two deer species pose risks to both biodiversity and ecosystems and also generate economic damage. Sika deer has been found to interbreed with endemic red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Germany and England (Lammertsma et al. 2012). In areas with a high abundance of muntjacs, the species has been responsible for the decline of woodland plants like bluebells (Hyacinthoides sp.) (Smith-Jones 2004, The Deer Initiative 2008) and oxlip (Primula elatior) (Tabor 1997). By changing forest structures, the habitat of woodland butterflies and birds like the nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) may be destructed, resulting in a local decline of these species (Cooke & Farrel 2001). In high abundances, muntjacs have been found to repress roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) as a result of food competition (Chapman et al. 1994, Smith-Jones 2004)...