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.
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