Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Management Information Physical: The most successful control strategies for Axis axis has been a combination of fencing and hunting. Control by fencing is not 100% and deer often escape. A. axis are able to jump over 2m fencing and studies show that 3m or higher fencing is required to adequately keep A. axis out of, or inside, an area. Once A. axis become established in urban and suburban areas, hunting does not remain a practical method of control, therefore it is best to gain control of A. axis populations before they become established in suburban areas (Anderson, 1999; and the University of Hawai‘i, UNDATED). Biological: Reproductive control using such techniques as contraception and sterilisation are possibilities for management but are expensive and time-consuming, requiring many man hours of labor intensive field work. New Zealand controls its exotic deer populations through recreational and commercial hunting, which have been very effective. Once A. axis become established in urban and suburban areas, hunting does not remain a practical method of control, therefore it is best to gain control of A. axis populations before they become established in suburban areas (Anderson, 1999; and the University of Hawai‘i, UNDATED).          Location Specific Management Information Maui Is. (United States (USA)) Managers of Maui watersheds both public and private are developing fencing strategies to protect these lands. Fencing strategies will divide Maui into three A. axis management zones, east, west, and central Maui. The Axis Deer Management Plan is to be incorporated over a period of time (Maui Axis Deer Group, 2002). Point Reyes National Seashore (United States (USA)) Park officials would prefer to eradicate Axis axis over the next 15 years through shooting and contraception, but there has been resistance to this plan by the public who are more inclined to see the park try and limit the herd number to ~350 individuals and maintain that target over time (Kravets, 2005).          Management Resources/Links 1. Anderson, S. B. 1999. Axis Deer Overview & Profile. Following the "Harmful Non-Indigenous Species in Hawaii" Questionnaire.         Summary: Available from: http://www.hear.org/hnis/reports/HNIS-AxiAxiV01.pdf [Accessed 17 December 2007] 2. Bomford, M., 2003. Risk Assessment for the Import and Keeping of Exotic Vertebrates in Australia. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra.         Summary: A Risk Assessment Model for assessing the risk posed by the importation and keeping of exotic vertebrates (amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles) in Australia. The scientifically based model is designed to help government policy makers, quarantine officials and wildlife managers reduce the risk of establishment of new exotic species that will cause harm. Available from: http://www.feral.org.au/feral_documents/PC12803.pdf [Accessed May 10 2007] 3. Micol and Jouventin, 2002. Eradication of rats and rabbits from Saint-Paul Island. In Turning the tide: the eradication of invasive species: 199-205. Veitch, C.R. and Clout, M.N.(eds). IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group. IUCN. Gland. Switzerland and Cambridge. UK.         Summary: Eradication case study in Turning the tide: the eradication of invasive species. 4. University of Hawaii. UNDATED. Axis Deer in Hawaii.          Results Page: 1