Capture traps as a method to minimize damage by red deer (Cervus elaphus) in golf courses

Abstract

We tested the effectiveness of capture traps to control red deer populations in golf courses. We found that capture traps are useful to reduce populations of red deer and, therefore, to manage its presence and damage in urban areas. Nevertheless, we used capture traps with manual closing but this system is time consuming and ineffective. It is advisable to change this method to an automatic locking system.

Keywords

• Cervus elaphus
• golf course
• red deer
• urban environment
• wildlife management