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

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Puma concolor in the UK by J A J Richardson

Image
A few notes on Puma / Cougar / Mountain Lions ...  Photo : Glatzer 2006 FIRST SIGHTING :  One late evening three friends and myself were travelling back from Tilton on the Hill towards Oadby, in Leicestershire. Upon approaching a main road junction we spotted a very large animal in a field beside the lane. As the car stopped in a gateway, I was able to shine a torch directly onto the fawn/grey coat of the creature revealing its outline - which crouched down lower and remained completely motionless. After instructing the Driver to quickly drive the car round the corner to the next open gateway, we watched in amazement as the Cougar jumped up and bounded off into the darkness of the field.  Having since owned a 46kg Bullmastiff , I would estimate this Mountain Lion, holding similar proportions, although being longer, taller and more agile, must have weighed in the region of 60kg. In the weeks following I was able to track the prints of a Puma  from Houghton on the Hill to Bushby during t
Read more

A Drover’s Track to Market by J A J Richardson

Image
    A Drover’s Track to Market By J Richardson 2002   The staff, the cloak, the capel Along hedgerow by bramble Drove the west-wind cattle On the ancient track to Market   The barley, wheat and whey All work their solemn way Abreast the corn that sways Along the track to Market   The wool, the wove, the sack The curly Shepherd’s lad Sometimes a Damsel clad The weary road to Market   The snort, the squeak, the squeal May escape this dreadful trail Though not by head or tail On the ancient way to Market   The Lord, the Maid, the Abbot The Partridge, Poult and Pheasant Awash the scent of nettles On the winding road to Market     Forthwith the trail of treason Where appear there-be no reason But harks the call of season A Drover’s Track to Market  
Read more

ALL IN A GROUP by J A J Richardson

Image
All in a Group : abstracted from 'A Book of Countryside Poems' By J A J Richardson  There was a Nye of Pheasants in the field this morning Just as a giant Flock of Pigeons cooed from their evening roost There was a Litter of Fox Cubs prowling like a Pride of Lions That gave way to a Murmation of Starlings There was a Covey of Partridge in among the currants As a Gaggle of Geese flew northwards into winter Besides a Charm of Chaffinches playing catch-up in the hedgerow High above the Herd of Cattle down below There was a Husk of Hares heading homeward for the solstice Alongside an Exaltation of Larks Each fighting and fussing like a Fall of Woodcock Leaping like leopards bitten by the frost There was a Host of Sparrows, as the farmer sought to flail them Like a Troop of Baboons in machinery all golden As a Dryft of Swine, no sownder befit them While a Cete of Badgers slept quietly below. There was a Murder of Crow waiting to display,  With a kaleidoscope of butterflies in the me
Read more