Variation of mating systems of introduced Sika Deer

The mating system of feral Sika deer (Cervus nippon) in the Manetin Forest (220 km(2)), Czech Republic, was studied from 1989 to 1993. The Sika were s trictly nocturnal due to hunting pressure and continuous human harassment d uring daylight. We therefore monitored rutting activity by triangulating ma le Sika calls recorded from different sites, and also by counting Sika in o pen areas using a spot light. In all seasons, calling activity was unequall y distributed over the area, usually concentrated in fields close to the fo rest. In 1989 the Sika established a lek. Later, the mating system changed to dispersed rutting stands. These rutting stands were occupied intermitten tly and were located in open pasture, mature forest, and in the boundaries between these two habitat types.