Effects of white-tailed deer on the population dynamics of acorns, seedlings and small saplings of Quercus buckleyi

- Authors: F. L. Russell, and N. L. Fowler
  
  Date: 2004
  
  Journal: Plant Ecology
  
  Volume: 173
  
  Number: 1
  
  Pages: 59-72
  
  Summary of Methods: Quercus buckleyi acorn predation and seedling establishment and survival were measured by Russell and Fowler, on sites with or without deer (Odocoileus virginianus) browsing and Juniperus ashei plants in the Edwards Plateau. Acorn survival and germination was low in all treatment plots and was not affected by deer use or the presence of J. ashei plants. In plots where deer were present, the survival, growth and biomass of Q. buckleyi seedlings was reduced and the presence of J. ashei plants limited the negative effect of deer on seedlings by acting as protective cover from browsing. However, in plots where deer were not present, survival, growth and biomass of seedlings was greater when J. ashei plants were not present, probably due to decreased competition. Based on the results of this study the authors concluded that deer were the major factor inhibiting the survival and growth of Q. buckleyi seedlings into adult sized trees, and that without proper management of deer populations this area will transition from a Q. buckleyi dominated woodland to a grassland or a J. ashei dominated woodland in time.
  
  Article Summary / Main Points: None
  
  Vegetation Types:
  
  MLRA Ecoregions:
  
  Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
  Article Review Type: Refereed
  
  Article Type: Experimental Research
  
  Keywords: facilitation, white-tailed deer, odocoileus virginianus, population dynamics, herbivory, woodlands, quercus buckleyi
  
  Annotation: Acorns were removed from traps twice weekly between September 17 and October 29, 1995, and between September 10 and November 12, 1996. Small mammals were trapped on seven nights between February 21 and April 15, 1997. Censuses of transplants were conducted at the beginning (April or May), middle (July or August), and end (November) of each growing season until May 1998. The rodents at the site eat acorns and disperse them but did not have any impact on seedling survival.

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