Seasonal and daily activity of non-native sambar deer in and around high-elevation peatlands, south-eastern Australia

Abstract

Context: Of the six species of non-native deer present in Australia, the sambar deer is the largest and has been identified as a major threat to high-elevation peatlands in south-eastern Australia. However, little is known about sambar deer activity in high-elevation peatlands. Aims: The aims of this study were to quantify sambar deer activity (including wallowing) seasonally and daily in response to biotic and abiotic variables, and how activity was impacted by ground-based shooting. Methods: To estimate sambar deer activity, camera traps were continuously deployed for 4 years in two 4300-ha areas in Alpine National Park, Victoria, south-eastern Australia. One area was subject to management..