Impact of muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesi) at Monks Wood National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire, eastern England

Muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesi) were first reported at Monks Wood National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire, in the early 1970s. By 1985, they had had noticeable effects on coppice regrowth, principally of hazel (Corylus avell ana), field maple (Acer campestre) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Despite tr ials of various protective measures, coppicing operations were suspended in the wood in 1995 because of browsing impact. Other woody vegetation had be en heavily browsed and for some species abundance had been affected, e.g. b ramble (Rubus fruticosus). Among the ground flora there have been effects o n the vigour, reproduction and abundance of a range of common and rare spec ies. Other plant species, such as some grasses and sedges, have increased b ecause they are avoided by deer, are more tolerant of grazing or have benef ited from changes in management. Invertebrates, in particular, may have bee n affected by these changes in plant composition with, for instance, increa ses being noted for lepidopteran species dependent on grasses.