Development of the population of the European Fallow Deer,Dama dama dama(Linnaeus, 1758), in Turkey

Abstract

In order to conserve the last autochthonous population of the European Fallow Deer, Dama dama dama (Linnaeus, 1758), the Turkish Government began a breeding programme at DüzlerçamÕ near Antalya in 1966. The programme began with 7 animals and the numbers continuously increased until the mid-1980s, when they reached over 500 animals. However, the population then collapsed until the year 2000 and did not recover. Today it comprises less than 130 individuals. The reasons for the population collapse are not fully understood but are thought to be a combination of several factors related to increasing human pressure such as urbanisation, recreational activities, and poaching. The population is much below the carrying capacity of the area. Attempts to re-introduce Fallow Deer into other areas of Turkey have not been successful but should be further considered as an option to minimise the risk of extinction, as at present the entire gene pool of the Turkish autochthonous population is concentrated at DüzlerçamÕ.

Investigation of fallow deer (Cervus dama L.) population densities by camera trap method in Antalya Düzlerçamı Eşenadası Breeding Station

“…It was carried out to determine the population size and density of the fallow deer populations in the study area. Some similar studies (Arslangündoğdu, et al, 2010;Saribaşak, et. al., 2005) had been carried out to determine the population size and density of the fallow deer population in the study area, but this is the first study in Turkey which used the camera trap method to determine the population of fallow deer.…”

Ancient and modern DNA track temporal and spatial population dynamics in the European fallow deer since the Eemian interglacial

“…The first is Anatolia, where fallow deer are represented in archaeological assemblages dating from the Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene 13 . These populations diminished through time and the only surviving native herd exists in the Düzlerçamı wildlife reserve in the Antalya Province (see 18 ). Secondly, the Balkans (Greece and Bulgaria) supported an extinct autochthonous population that is morphologically and genetically distinct from the Turkish fallow deer 2 , 15 , 17 .…”

The 10,000-year biocultural history of fallow deer and its implications for conservation policy

“…Despite their large population size and broad distribution, their genetic diversity is very low, suggesting conservation vulnerability ( 4 ). The herd of European fallow deer at Güllük Daği-Termessos National Park (Turkey) is considered the last native wild population and, as such, has a protected status ( 5 ). Conservation measures extend to the Dama population on the nearby island of Rhodes, which is protected by Greek law ( 6 ).…”