urban landscapes - esquimalt deer project
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Data PortalData type: Camera data Camera sites: 40 Area: ~10 km2 Timespan: 2021-2024 Camera data: email us to discuss data sharing Metadata: In progress. Funder link: https://www.esquimalt.ca/government-bylaws/animal-control/deer/deer-management. |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
We are measuring native black-tailed deer (BTD) population size and fawning rates before and after experimental treatment with birth control via immunocontraception (IC) in the Township of Esquimalt. We deployed 40 cameras spanning the region, with locations dependent upon landowner permissions. The spacing between cameras is designed to allow for a single deer to be detected on multiple cameras, a requirement for density estimation models. This design also captures the full array of landscape heterogeneity in this region, from a gradient of high-intensity human use to low-intensity human use and high “greenness” including shrub and forest cover. Photographs are analyzed to identify species using Timelapse Image Analyzer 2.2. For each animal detection, we record date, time, location; for BTD, we record demographic information including sex and age group (e.g., adult, fawn). For collared BTD, we also note the unique colour tag combination for individual-level identification (q.v.). Data on marked and unmarked BTD provide the basis statistical models of reproductive success and population density. Thank you to all of the landowners who have graciously allowed us to deploy cameras in their yards, or to capture and treat deer on their properties! We could not do this without you. |
DEER CAPTURE AND TREATMENT
Deer search effort was spread evenly across each landscape by allocating time and human resources systematically. Twenty control (untreated, marked) deer were captured in 2021 using field protocols approved by the University of Victoria’s Animal Care Committee, led by wildlife veterinarian Adam Hering, supported by technicians and volunteers from the University of Victoria. The IC vaccine (PZP-22)6 was administered to 57 “Treatment” animals 2021-2022. PZP-22 time-releases the IC over a span of three years to successively prevent pregnancy with a trial efficacy of > 90% after 3 years. All marked animals were released at point of capture to mix with the unmarked population. |
FUTURE STRATEGY
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