Urban deer projects
OAK BAY DAta PORTALData type: Camera data Camera sites: 39 Area: ~7 km² Timespan: 2018 - present Camera data: email us to discuss data sharing Metadata: In progress. Funder link: https://www.oakbay.ca/our-community/pets-animals/deer URBAN DEER PROJECT
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 and District of Oak Bay). CAMERA TRAPPING We deployed 40 cameras in each municipality (Esquimalt and Oak Bay) for a total of 80 cameras, with landowner permission. This design intends for any individual deer to be detected on multiple cameras, which is a requirement for density estimation models. This design also captures the full variation in landscapes across the region, to represent gradients of human activity, development and various vegetation types. We analyze the camera trap photographs of Columbian black-tailed deer for date, time, & location and for demographic information including sex and age group. For collared deer, we also note the unique colour tag combination to identify each individual. Data on individual known deer and uncollared deer allow us to use powerful statistical models to understand reproductive success and population size within each municipality. 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. |
Esquimalt Data PortalData type: Camera data Camera sites: 40 Area: ~10 km² Timespan: 2021 - present Camera data: email us to discuss data sharing Metadata: In progress. Funder link: https://www.esquimalt.ca/government-bylaws/animal-control/deer/deer-management. This video shows how the work is done!
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DEER CAPTURE AND TREATMENT Search effort for deer was systematic and spread evenly across both municipalities. Vaccines are administered in the fall-time, typically in September and October, to provide fertility control before the fall rut. The number of PZP-treated deer and controls (those that were not given PZP treatment) were captured using field protocols approved by the University of Victoria’s Animal Care Committee, led by wildlife veterinarian Adam Hering PhD, supported by technicians and volunteers from the University of Victoria. |
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ESQUIMALT
From 2021-2023, 60 female deer were treated with the vaccine PZP-22 and 20 with the control. Based on density estimates, we have treated approximately 75% of female deer in Esquimalt with PZP. Leaving unvaccinated females in the population maintains genetic diversity (important for the species as a whole) and provides a reference for comparison to vaccinated females. PZP-22 delivers the immunocontraceptive over a span of 22 months and shows an efficacy of > 90% after 3 years. After 22 months, the team locates previously treated females and delivers a booster vaccine to maintain maximum efficiency. Currently, the team is administering booster vaccines as needed, servicing camera traps and analyzing data to understand fawning rates, population density and habitat use. 
FUTURE STRATEGY
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OAK BAY
In 2018-2021, 120 female deer were treated with immunocontraception vaccine. Based on density estimates, we have treated 120 of does in Oak Bay. In 2022, fertility control stopped in Oak Bay to allow us to verify that the decrease in the population is indeed due to the application of the vaccine. The team continues to service camera traps and analyze data to understand fawning rates, population density and habitat use. 
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What are the Results showing?
REPORTS 2024 Project Update - Esquimalt 2023 Update - Esquimalt 2021-2022 Update - Esquimalt 2023 Interim Report - Oak Bay 2021 Interim Report (Habitat Use)- Oak Bay 2021 Interim Report (Fawns)- Oak Bay 2019 Progress Report - Oak Bay PUBLICATIONS Fisher, J. T., Fuller, H. W., Hering, A., Frey, S., & Fisher, A. C. (2024). Black-tailed deer resource selection reveals some mechanisms behind the ‘luxury effect’ in urban wildlife. Urban Ecosystems, 27(1), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-023-01428-7 EXTERNAL LINKS Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society Wildcam Project Page - Oak Bay IN THE NEWS CBC Oak Bay News |
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