RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES OF RED DEER REPRODUCTION USING REGRESSING LUTEAL STRUCTURES

Reproduction is a key factor in understanding cervid population dynamics, and improved determination of reproduction may enhance our understanding of population performance as a basis for management decisions. We compared 2 approaches for retrospective analysis of red deer (Cervus elaphus atlanticus) reproduction, using regressing luteal structures as criteria for previous parturitions. Occurrence of a corpus rubrum (CR) proved a reliable criterion for assessing age-specific natality rates. Attempts to trace reproduction > 1 year past on the basis of corpora albicantia (CA) led to increasing underestimation of past productivity when age increased, compared with known reproductive history or estimates of reproductive success according to accumulated age-specific natality rates. A model accounting for the rate of CA disappearance was useful in arriving at more accurate estimates for past productivity in older animals.