The use of Clintonia borealis and other indicators to gauge impacts of white-tailed deer on plant communities in northern Wisconsin, USA
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Authors: C. P. Balgooyen, and D. M. Waller
Date: 1995
Journal: Natural Areas Journal
Volume: 15
Number: 4
Pages: 308-318
Summary of Methods: This study examined how woody and herbaceous plant frequency, cover, and overall species diversity have responded to regional variation, both historic and recent, in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) densities in the Apostle Islands, and nearby Wisconsin mainland. Although high white-tailed deer populations appear to jeopardize the futures of herbaceous, as well as woody species, few herbaceous species are known to provide reliable indications of grazing pressure. Preliminary results suggest that Clintonia borealis may be an accurate indicator species in several respects. In addition to its frequency and percent cover decreasing, under moderate to high deer populations, and remaining low over time, but several of its specific characters, including the average number of pedicels per umbel, also appear to decrease under browsing pressure. These indicators of Clintonia borealis, should help to justify changes in wildlife policy in areas where high deer densities pose documented and substantial threats to overall biotic diversity.
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: white-tailed deer, odocoileus virginianus, bluebead lily, clintonia borealis, woody species, herbaceous species, plant frequency, plant cover, species diversity, browsing effects
Annotation: None
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