In Japan, sika deer populations have been increasing and caused conflicts between human and deer. To resolve such problems, population control is the most concern. Herd composition and density estimate are the most important information for assessing population status. We evaluated camera trap method (CT) and density estimator with no need for individual recognition using CT (Rowcliffe’s method) as an alternative monitoring method.

We conducted seven route counts (RC) and CT in 2010 and 2011.For herd composition counts, we collected sex and age ratios from both methods. We estimated deer density by Rowcliffe’s method. We compared activity pattern of CT with that of GPS collars with activity sensor.

Comparing RC and CT, there were no differences in age ratios, but were differences in sex ratios, which peaked in fall. For density estimates, we found no difference among Rowcliffe’s method, CT and RC. Rowcliffe’s method has higher precision than CT and RC. Activity pattern of CT was similar to that of GPS, and activity peaked at sunrise and sunset.

In conclusion, CT was superior to estimate sex and age ratios as well as density with higher precision combining Rowcliffe’s method. Moreover, CT could obtain population activity pattern which was useful for population control.