Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)

Sika Deer Thermal Drone Surveys

Sika deer are a non-native species in the UK, originally introduced from East Asia in the 19th century. Since then, they have established populations across the whole of the UK.

Sika deer are highly elusive and secretive by nature. They are primarily crepuscular or nocturnal, making them difficult to observe using traditional survey methods. They thrive in dense woodland, rough grassland, and moorland, often avoiding open spaces. They are well adapted to remote and rugged environments, adding to their challenge for monitoring and management. They can also hybridize with native red deer, posing a genetic risk.

We have extensive experience surveying Sika and they are the most important species to understand to ensure an accurate count has taken place. Depending on the habitat present, if the timing of a survey is wrong – a large undercount could take place if the Sika seek refuge during daylight hours. Rhododendron and thick conifer (Sitka spruce) are two of the most challenging areas of cover when surveying Sika as it is highly likely Sika will utilise these more than other species