Deer calves in Scotland should be culled at the same time as their mothers as they are unlikely to survive without maternal protection, say scientists.
Research carried out using 40 years worth of information concluded that being orphaned at two-years-old or less had a catastrophic effect on calves.
Scientists from the universities of Calgary, Edinburgh and Cambridge examined the data, gathered on wild red deer on the Isle of Rum. Their findings support guidelines for deer stalkers, which say that calves should always be shot with their mothers.
Around 100,000 deer are culled in Scotland each year, to protect trees and plants, prevent deaths in winter, and for sport.
This study is the first to examine the impact on calves of losing their mothers during development.
It states they will struggle to find food and are less likely to survive in comparison to young deer who are reared by their mothers.
In addition, the study found male orphans were slow to develop antlers, indicating a poorer rate of growth.
Males, however, were found to have a better chance of surviving, if orphaned after two-years-old, than females.
Professor Josephine Pemberton, of Edinburgh University, said: “Calves are weaned at around seven months, and afterwards benefit from their mother’s knowledge of food and shelter, and from a settled social group, but lose these benefits when their mother dies.
“Our findings help pinpoint the impact on young deer of being orphaned at ages well beyond weaning.”
Alastair MacGugan, of Scottish Natural Heritage, added: “This research highlights how this is not just a welfare issue, but also impacts on the health and success of individual deer for the rest of their lives.”
A proposal earlier this year to cull 750,000 deer annually in the UK would be disastrous, according to the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA).
They claim that the figure represented 50% of the deer population and would lead to many job losses.
SGA chairman Alex Hogg said: “In many of areas, stalking income keeps the hotels and guesthouses, shops and schools open.”