Extirpation and reintroduction of the Corsican red deer Cervus elaphus corsicanus in Corsica

Published source details Kidjo N., Feracci G., Bideau E., Gonzalez G., Mattéi C., Marchand N. & Aulagnier S. (2007) Extirpation and reintroduction of the Corsican red deer Cervus elaphus corsicanus in Corsica. Oryx, 41, 488-494.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Release captive-bred individuals to re-establish or boost populations in native range Action Link

Release captive-bred individuals to re-establish or boost populations in native range

A replicated study in 1998–2004 of woodland at three sites in Corsica, France (Kidjo et al. 2007) found that captive-bred Corsican red deer Cervus elaphus corsicanus, released following extinction on the island, increased in number at all three sites. At one site, following two releases, four years apart, totalling 35 founders, there were 100 deer two years after the second release. At a second site, 24 founders grew to 60 animals over seven years. Twenty-seven founders released at a third site increased to 40 animals later that year. Corsican red deer became extinct on Corsica in 1970. Captive populations of deer, sourced from Sardinia, were established at three sites on Corsica from 1985 onwards, to provide animals for reintroductions. From 7, 14 and 17 founders, captive populations in enclosures grew and were artificially restricted to 35 each at two sites and 50 at the third site (each equating to 3.2 deer/ha). Releases from the captive populations took place in February and March of 1998–2004 and the wild population was then estimated at each site later in 2004.

(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)