Are There Sika Deer On Cannock Chase?

[rjmartinuk]

Hey Everyone

I wonder if anyone can help. I have a passion for British Wildlife and in particular the 6 species of Deer that can be found in the UK. I have seen Fallow, Muntjac, Red & Roe and would like to see Sika next. Now I live in the West Midlands and am only interested in wild Deer (opposed to ones on parks in zoos etc) - now I am reading contrasting reports with regards to Sika Deer on Cannock Chase which is not far from where I live.

For:

Mentions 5 Deer on Cannock Chase:
CANNOCK CHASE - DEER

Against:

Mentions 3 Deer on Cannock Chase:
Storm-Crow Survival: Cannock Chase

When visiting the Cannock Chase visitor centre in the past (when I was up there looking for Fallow) I remember it saying there were 3 species of Deer to be found in the area, however a book I have called "Nick Bakers Month To Month Wildlife Guide" quotes Sika Deer as being on the chase. Finally I found these photos on Flickr:

Photo:

Sika Deer Stag | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Album:

sika deer cannock - Flickr: Search

Basically has anybody seen/know if there are infact Sika Deer on the chase or is it a myth? I don't expect locations just a heads up if they are/were there!

Many Thanks for your time!

Cheers, Rob

[The Woodman]

Gerald Springthorpe's book review mentions


"During Gerald's his long career in the Forestry Commission his knowledge
was key to developing its deer management techniques.

His 28-page volume is a brilliant hand-book for any wildlife enthusiast,
beginner or expert.

"It tells the reader everything from the history and habits of the Cannock
Chase herd, to describing in detail fallow, roe, red and muntjac deer."

If the FC rangers are pursuing a Sika elimination progrom as they have /are doing in the NW to prevent hybridisation with Reds, then your chances may be limited.

Ask a Ranger at info-cannock@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

p.s. I have to say that some Flickr image ID's should be treated with a certain amount of suspicion.

[DorsetDunk]

I agree with Woodman about the flickr shots

the first photo link looks to me to be a fallow

though the darker deer images in the Gallery are most defiantly sika

[STYRBJORN]

[quote=The Woodman;823262]

If the FC rangers are pursuing a Sika elimination progrom as they have /are doing in the NW to prevent hybridisation with Reds, then your chances may be limited.

Apt typo. Program or pogrom?

Ric

[The Woodman]

Pogrom - the elimination of a species. Wreak havoc, reduce non-native species violently,persecution of minority group, etc.

No typo intended, Ric.

[wilippa]

I have lived near Cannock Chase for most of my life - until 4 years ago - and was a regular visitor before then. I still have family within half a mile and walk on the Chase when I can.
I have never seen a sika there and do not know of anyone who has.
That said, there is a house called "Sika Lodge" in my parents' village (on the edge of CC). On the one hand, "no smoke without fire" - on the other hand, it's hardly evidence!

[rjmartinuk]

Just to update this thread:

I have now heard back via email from both Derek Crawley (county mammal recorder) and also a ranger on the Chase. Both have confirmed that there are NOT any Sika Deer on the chase - and those photos are of young Fallow Deer.

Cheers, Rob

[The Woodman]

Glad you've sorted it out, Rob.

Derek is a fount of knowledge on Staffs mammals (and elsewhere).