Sika deer (Cervus nippon), a native of East Asia, have become an iconic yet mysterious part of the Delmarva Peninsula’s wildlife. In this talk, University of Delaware researchers Rebekah Manti and Andrew Slear will explore the natural history of these fascinating animals: their range, diet, reproduction, behavior, and the questions scientists are still working to answer. The presentation will also trace the history of how sika deer came to be established on the Delmarva and examine their cultural significance both in their native range and here in the U.S.
Rebekah and Andrew will share insights from their ongoing research on sika reproductive ecology and calf survival, explaining not only what they’ve learned so far but also why this work is important for wildlife management and conservation.