Forests too deer: Edge effects in northern Wisconsin
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Authors: W. S. Alverson, D. M. Waller, and S. L. Solheim
Date: 1988
Journal: Conservation Biology
Volume: 2
Number: 4
Pages: 348-358
Summary of Methods: In this review, Alverson et al. looked at exclosure and population studies that revealed past and current white-tailed deer densities, as low as 4 deer/km2, may prevent regeneration of the once common woody species and several herbaceous species found in Wisconsin. High deer densities on the edges of forest ecosystems are degrading the remaining stands of old and mature forests, by greatly modifying their species composition. To reduce this adverse effect of deer on forest ecosystems, Alverson et al. recommend establishing large (200-400 km2), continuous areas of maturing forest. This, coupled with an increase in the hunting harvest of these animals, could reduce the local deer densities and provide a simple and inexpensive method for retaining forage species sensitive to the deleterious effects of browsing.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Scientific Synthesis
Keywords: white-tailed deer, odocoileus virginianus, herbivory, woody species, timber cutting, habitat fragmentation, forage, deer densities, edge habitat
Annotation: This review primarily discusses interactions between white-tailed deer and plants in Wisconsin, but briefly mentions studies done in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Summary focuses on Wisconsin effects. Primarily address interactions between white-tailed deer and various plants in northern Wisconsin, but mentions other herbivores like moose, elk, and caribou.
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