How do red deer react to increased visitor numbers? A case study on human-deer encounter probability and its effect on cortisol stress responses

The numbers of visitors to greenspaces in the United Kingdom has increased over last few years as health benefits spending time have become better known. This led problems for conservation ecologists due reported human-wildlife encounters. Deer are often found public spaces and particular concern. Previous research suggests elevated levels stress hormones (e.g., cortisol) deer is a result human activity. been linked several negative effects on deer’s health. From practitioner’s point view, it therefore important implement effective management strategies that based scientific evidence help ensure welfare managed populations. In an effort identify impact visitor faecal cortisol concentrations, samples from 2 red ( Cervus elaphus ) herds Lyme Park (Cheshire), Kingdom, were collected analysed. A predictive spatial model was developed logistic regression areas within park low high human-deer encounter probability. be significantly higher days with number visitors. addition, landscape features such buildings roads probability encounters, whereas woodland scrub decreased However, changed distance features. By providing local managers this data, these findings can directly inform current efforts reduce Park. modelling method capacity implemented other parks across country minimal cost effort.