Evaluation Methods for Forest Ecosystem Damage Caused by Sika Deer

Institute of Natural and Environmental Sciences

Associate Professor Daisuke Fujiki

In recent years, severe declines in forest vegetation due to the overpopulation of sika deer have been reported across Japan. To protect forest ecosystems from deer, it is essential to first assess the damage, clarify the relationship between the damage and the deer population, and then set management goals for the deer. We have developed a damage indicator called the "Understory Vegetation Decline Index" and are conducting damage monitoring on a prefectural scale.