Sika Deer Effect on Texas Ecosystem

Sika deer are smaller versions of whitetail deer.

Sika are small deer imported from Japan. They live on Maryland's eastern shore and in southern Texas. The Texas population of 11,000 (estimated) is relatively small, compared to that of whitetail deer.

Features

Sika deer were imported from Japan in the 1930s when several exotic animals were being brought into Texas as the recreational hunting industry developed. They are relatively small, usually just over 100 pounds and about 2.5 feet tall at the shoulder, with darker coats than whitetails.

Competition

Sika deer compete with whitetails for food. In some areas, whitetails numbers have decreased while Sikas have increased, but the impact seems minimal on the overall herd size. Sikas outcompete whitetails because they can adjust to eating grass, when necessary. Both animals prefer tree leaves. Whitetails, which do not eat grass, are at a disadvantage when competing with Sikas for leaves.

Overall Impact

Sika deer populations are still relatively small. This small deer competes with whitetails but does not appear to be causing great damage to the whitetail population. Sikas are popular animals to hunt, and state game officials believe their positive impact on the environment outweighs any negatives.

References

• Texas Parks and Wildlife: White-tailed Deer vs. Exotics
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Exotics in Texas
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine: Exotics

Resources

• University of Michigan: Animal Diversity Web: Sika deer