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.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.