Muntjac Deer Survey 2012 Brocks Hill by J A J Richardson

Muntjac Deer Survey 2012

Brocks Hill Country Park

by J A J Richardson


The aim of this report was to record the activity of Muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesi) at Brocks Hill Country Park. Studies of Sign (visible tracks) and Spore (associated activity) were undertaken between the period of 1st January 2011 and the 1st January 2012. The study area  covered Brocks Hill Country Park ; approximately ranging from Wigston Road Oadby in the north, to Mere Lane Glen Gorse to the south.

It was important not to disturb local flora and fauna including any Muntjac during this process.



Note: All reference points are taken from the Brocks Hill County Park visitors map.



Sign


There were clear sign (hoof slots) of an adult Muntjac approaching Brocks Hill Country Park from the south along a field track towards the Wind Turbine (13). This track lead into the Wild Flower Area (5), then onto the Rotary Club of Oadby Wood (11). This track was followed-up into Winter Wood (17), where the track crossed the Hay Meadow (16) into Lucas Marsh (18).





Lucas Marsh (18) is a hub of Muntjac activity, with the tracks of several individual adults leading in many directions. Several tracks travelled into Grange Spinney (19) with a regular crossing point over the Wash Brook. These tracks continued towards the Wigston Road, Oadby.

The south-west area of Brocks Hill Country Park also held signs of Muntjac activity. Travelling west from the Wind Turbine (13) towards Top Wood (14) there was a single track of a medium size adult Muntjac. This track ended at the hedge boarder with Glenmere Primary School.

There was also a single track leading from Wardens Wood (9) towards the Visitor Centre (1). This track continued into the Wild Flower Area (5) and onto the Community Orchard (6).

Plaster cast impressions of the slots (tracks) were taken from several locations throughout the Brocks Hill Country Park. Variation in the size of slots recorded confirms the presence and activity of several individual adults in the area.





Droppings


There was evidence of Muntjac droppings in the following areas of Brocks Hill Country Park: Winter Wood (17), Rotary Club of Oadby Wood (11), and Aylward Arboretum (7).  All droppings were fresh and deposited within 24 hours of observation.



Feeding


There was evidence of Muntjac feeding in the following areas at Brocks Hill Country Park: At the Rotary Club of Oadby Wood (11) there were signs of several adult Muntjac foraging on wind-fallen Crab Apples (Malus domestica). This area held the tracks of several adult Muntjac.

There were signs of adult Muntjac up-rooting Spring bulbs in the woodland surrounding Lucas Marsh (18). Further observations indicated that adult Muntjac were browsing on several species of aqueous plants (flora typical to river-side habitats) in the area bordering Grange Spinney (19) and Lucas Marsh (18).

There were clear signs of Muntjac browsing on the young shoots of Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) besides the mounds on the wasteland adjacent to the main Wigston Road, Oadby.

There is no evidence of any damage caused by Muntjac to the tree plantations at Brocks Hill Country Park.



Population and Dispersal


Muntjac are recurrently active at Brocks Hill Country Park, with substantial evidence to suggest that several adult Muntjac populate the region. The main focus of activity is the area surrounding the Wash Brook, Grange Spinney (19) and Lucus Marsh (18). The area of bramble vegetation between the Wash Brook and Rosemead Drive / Hidcote Road, Oadby provides the ideal cover for Muntjac to rest-up during the day. It also provides a safe area to raise fawns.


There is strong evidence to indicate that at least one adult Muntjac is making nightly visits into the Brocks Hill Country Park from the Glen Gorse region to the south. Residents in the area have also confirmed the presence of Muntjac in their gardens in the early mornings. Another lady who helps to collect litter from Lucas Marsh (18) suggested that Muntjac will happily feed on the peanuts she leaves out for the Badgers (?)


Overall the number of Visitors and Dog Walkers at Brocks Hill Country Park restricts the local Muntjac population to those areas which are left undisturbed. It would appear that a small population of adults have found an ecological niche in the surrounding wasteland, using the Wash Brook area as a home; and as a corridor along which to enter Brocks Hill Country Park at night to feed and forage.


Brocks Hill Country Park can now encourage its Visitors to look for the tracks of Muntjac deer as an added aspect of their Wildlife experience in Oadby.


Copyright : J.A.J. Richardson 2012

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