Antler characteristics of an exotic deer in Argentina's Nahuel Huapi National Park: confronting pseudo management of red deer

SMITH FLUECK, JM; FLUCK, WT

Dalian

Simposio; 1st International and 2nd National Symposium on Antler Science and Technology; 2014

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

The invasion of the red deer (Cervus elaphus) into S. America?s southern cone regionis irreversible, with management an essential tool by which to reduce its impact. This exotic species has adapted extremely well to its new environment, while in contrast, the native deer, the Patagonian huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus), whose historical distributional range once included areas occupied by the red deer today  ?  is now one of the most threatened deer in the world. Although the red deer is a highly invasive species, whose impact on the Patagonian environment has been shown in various research studies, this exotic can serve as an economic resource. At the extremes, its two characteristics as both an invader and an economic resource are incompatible. Yet, eliminating the red deer from protected areas is unrealistic due to financial and technological constraints, and even further, because of the program established 2 decades ago to use this species for economic gains through trophy hunting ? today an accepted tradition within protected areas. If optimizing economic interests is to be in line with conservation, red deer managers must first take into account these two opposing forces. By using antlers condition and age structure of hunted males, we evaluate the limitations on the current management of red deer in protected areas and make suggestions that can benefit conservation. We also show some example of general interest regarding antler development, and problems with antler strength and injuries.