Sika Deer

The genes of all New Zealand Sika were obtained from the Duke of Bedford, Woburn Park, England and introduced in New Zealand 1905 at Poronui Station in the Kaimanawa Ranges. The Sika probably contain both Manchurian (Cervus Nippon Mantchuricus) and Japanese Bloodlines (Cervus Nippon Nippon, Cervus Nippon hortulorum, and Cervus Nippon Centralis). The current range of the main herd includes the Kaimanawa, Ahimanawa and Kawaka Ranges. Sika are a hunting asset of national significance. Where their impact on habitat quality has been restricted they produce a world class trophy each year.