A review of introduced cervids in Chile
Werner T. Flueck A B C D E and Jo Anne M. Smith-Flueck DA National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, 1033 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
B Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
C Fundación Bariloche, C.C. 592, 8400 Bariloche, Argentina.
D Institute of Natural Resources Analysis (IARN) – Patagonia, Universidad Atlántida Argentina, C.C. 592, 8400 Bariloche, Argentina.
E Corresponding author. Email: wtf@deerlab.org
Animal Production Science 52(8) 681-684 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN11343
Submitted: 12 December 2011 Accepted: 16 February 2012 Published: 12 June 2012
Abstract
We review the extent of exotic deer distributions in Chile, which are encountered in all provinces, including Tierra del Fuego, except for possibly Region III; many deer are contained in at least 107 enclosures. Red deer (Cervus elaphus) by far has the largest feral population of exotic cervids in southern South America, providing source animals that can easily cross the Andes between Chile and Argentina. Red deer was introduced from Europe to the central valley of Chile in 1928. Since the 1940s, feral populations have also expanded from Argentina into Chile, by way of easily accessible, low-elevation mountain passes of the Andes, accompanied by further direct shipments from Argentina. The area occupied by 1990 was estimated at 3400 km2, whereas an analysis in 2003 estimated an area of 7700 km2. The overall area invaded by 2003 was between 37°42′S and 54°55′S, and 73°36′W and 69°50′W (Argentina and Chile combined, although non-contiguous). Ecological impact of the red deer in Chile has been described since 1981, and red deer features in the Chilean Pest Manual. A conservative rate for the red deer expansion was estimated at 1 km/year, but likely is more rapid where habitat modifications facilitate movement. The pre-Columbian northern limit of the native cervid huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) was 30°S, and because red deer has occupied all habitat types currently used by huemul, it could thus spread >750 km further north. To the south, all areas are suitable for red deer. Invasion patterns will depend on additional intentional introductions and enclosures on both sides of the Andes because of the omnipresent risk of escapes. Fallow, axis and roe deer (Dama dama, Axis axis, Capreolus capreolus, respectively) also have been introduced to Chile and occur in many enclosures. Fallow deer recently escaped on Chiloé Island, became established and raised concerns because of its potential impacts on several endemic species on the island. The striking lack of information on feral deer may relate to policies and laws about firearms and restricted access to hunting areas, resulting in the apparent absence of popular hunting, which, nevertheless, could be a potential tool should the invasion continue and lead to future deer overabundance.
Additional keywords: exotic deer, distribution, Cervus elaphus, Dama dama, Axis axis, Capreolus capreolus.
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