Population dynamics of urban black-tailed deer in response to experimentally manipulated fawning rates, across landscapes with high and low immigration potential

Urban black-tailed deer in Esquimalt BC have increased in number, leading to their perception as pests and posing risks to residents through traffic accidents. Lethal removal programs (i.e., culling) are unethical and based on little scientific evidence. We seek to use more humane methods of population control by reducing deer birth rate using birth-control vaccines. However, any management actions taken should require testing to ensure effectiveness (a step rarely taken with culling programs). To estimate the effectiveness of these vaccines on reducing deer density, we will use remotely operated cameras to estimate deer density before and after vaccine treatment. The benefits to the Township of Esquimalt will be the implementation of a humane urban wildlife control program, which will be more cost effective in the long term and result in reduced human-wildlife conflict.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jason T Fisher

Student:

Partner:

Township of Esquimalt

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Public administration

University:

University of Victoria

Program: