Best practice voor beheer van Chinese muntjak Muntiacus reevesi in Vlaanderen

This report wants to provide a basis for a code of good practice for Reeves’ muntjac in Flanders. We thereby followed the general guidelines for the preparation of a code of good practice as they were published by INBO in 2015. First, we provide species-specific information (identification, invasion history, distribution, ecology and impacts), relevant legislation and policy as well as the management objectives. For Reeves’ muntjac the main objective is to avoid establishment of the species in Flanders. This main objective is translated in two mean objectives being the rapid removal of any free roaming muntjacs currently present and the prevention of any further introductions of muntjacs. Subsequently, we thoroughly describe the potential management methods with their advantages and disadvantages (effectiveness, cost, social support, non-target effects). Potential methods to remove muntjacs include various forms of culling through shooting and capturing by netting or the use of cages. Furthermore, we provide information on preventive actions to avoid muntjac damages and for awareness raising.