Native British red deer could face same fate as red squirrel

Scientists warn that the introduced sika deer’s behavioural, physiological and genetic advantages, together with culling that does not distinguish species, could put native red deer in the UK under long-term pressure.

Scientists have warned that native red deer in the UK may struggle to survive alongside the introduced sika deer. They say the sika displays behavioural, physiological and genetic advantages that could affect competition. Researchers also highlight that current culling approaches do not always distinguish between species. The comparison is drawn with the decline of the native red squirrel as an illustrative parallel. Key facts: - The article reports scientists’ concerns about competition between sika deer and native red deer in the UK. - Sika are described as having behavioural, physiological and genetic advantages over red deer. - Current culling approaches are reported as not consistently distinguishing between deer species. - The situation is compared in the article to the decline of the native red squirrel. Summary: Scientists report that these combined factors could put native red deer under sustained pressure. Undetermined at this time.