The deer population in Nara Park reached a record 1,687, a preservation group said Thursday, citing an increased birth rate.
The Nara Deer Preservation Foundation reported the count rose by 222 from the previous year. The annual survey, conducted since 1953, involved about 40 people over two days ending Thursday.
The breakdown showed 411 males, 990 females and 286 fawns. In the year through late June, 198 deer died, mostly in traffic accidents.
Secretary general Nobuyuki Yamazaki urged slower driving in the park, noting that fawns often dash out following their mothers. Visitors feeding the deer vegetables and leftovers has boosted birth rates.
