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.
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.