The Project
Description
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences and the Norsk Hjortesenter (Norwegian Deer Centre) are developing a living laboratory on the island of Svanøy off the coast of western Norway. Here, an almost isolated deer population and modern research infrastructure create the perfect setting for controlled investigation. In this new project, researchers, students, wildlife managers, livestock owners, and hunters work together to better understand deer ecology and improve the monitoring and management of wild deer populations.
Svanøy
Svanøy (11 km2) is a miniature version of the Norwegian mainland (west coast), with a long history of ecological research. Most of the island is covered with (pine) forest and, since June 2024, about half of the island (522 ha) is designated as nature preserve for the preservation of its unique flora. Since 2000, Svanøy has been home to the Norsk Hjortesenter (Norwegian Deer Centre). The Norsk Hjortesenter manages both captive and wild red deer on the island. In addition, there are free-ranging domestic sheep and cattle on the island, making it an ideal staging ground for research on interactions between wild deer and livestock
Research
In 2024, our team of researchers and students installed over 60 wildlife camera throughout the island to monitor wild red deer and other animals. These camera traps have already produced thousands of photos of red deer over the course of a full year. These photos are a fantastic source of information and currently, five master’s students are conducting research related to red deer ecology, monitoring, and management. The topics include activity patterns, habitat use, impacts on vegetation, and interactions with free-ranging livestock. Hunting is an important management tool and we are therefore also investigating its effects on red deer behavior.
Team Members
NMBU Team Members
Students
Trine Gullberg Skogli
Kaia Brendberg
Thomas Leathead
Sturla Rørvik
Tora Melbø Rødstøl
External Team Members
Jon Anders Stavang
Norsk Hjortesenter
Jørgen Henden
Norsk Hjortesenter
Stein Joar Hegland
Høgskulen på Vestlandet
Collaborators
