deer overabundance is impacting biodiversity in parks located in fairfax county, virginia. sean...
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Deer Overabundance is Impacting Biodiversity in Parks Located in Fairfax
County, Virginia.
Sean Campbell, Tammy Henry, Megan Scott,
Craig Shafer, and Jessica Trice
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Overabundance of Deer
Animals are Overabundant* when:a) threaten human life or livelihoodb) are too numerous for their “own good”c) depress the densities of economically
or aesthically important speciesd) cause ecosystem dysfunction
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1900 1990 2000
white taileddeerpopulation
100 Years of Deer in United States Deer are Reproductive Machines
*Caughley (1981)
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Impacts of an Overabundance of Deer
• Automobile Damage>1100 deer collected ~ 20% deer collisions
Average collision cost = $2300
7th highest rate of deer collision in the country
• Change to Forest Structure - Regeneration Patterns
• Disease: Human & AnimalLyme Disease & Others
Hemorrhagic Disease & Chronic Wasting Disease
• Ornamental Plant Damage• Biodiversity:
– Animals– Plants
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Causal Links:
People
Predators Hunting
Development
Fragmentation
PlantsAnimalsBiodiversity
DeerOverabundance
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AutoCollision
Disease
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Carrying Capacity Theory (Caughley)Ecological Carrying Capacity (K)
Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) Economic Carrying Capacity (I)
Sociological Carrying Capacity (Cultural)
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Deer Carrying Capacity & Vegetation
Factors:
1. Plant biomass Environment
2. Rate of Plant Intake/Animal Density
of Plants
3. Rate of Population ∆ of deer Density
of Plants
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Impacts on Biodiversity
- Browse-line shows degree of deer impact
- Changes forest structure (impacts on birds and invertebrates)
- Reduced habitat for ground-nesting animals, decreased food sources, affects on plant reproduction
- Reduced tree regeneration & decreased diversity in regrowth
- Increased ability for invasive/exotic species to establish QuickTime™ and a
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Criteria
1. Socially and Ethically Acceptable2. Economically Feasible3. Sustainable4. Efficient5. Quantifiable/Accountable Results6. Ecologically Sound7. Proven Methodology
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Potential Solutions:• Ignore the problem• Reduce human population - relocation or birth
control• Unpalatable plants - naturally or chemically treated• Visible or audible deterrents • Prevent future land use changes (ie. development)• Corridors/underpasses for deer• Reintroduce predators (wolf, black bear, puma &
bobcat)• Immunocontraception• Fence deer in/out - physical or shock/alarm collars• Relocate deer• Change Fairfax County hunting regulations• Managed reduction - snipers or recreational hunting
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Evaluating the criteria…
Managed reduction - snipers or recreational hunting
Meets all 7 criteria: socially acceptable, economic, sustainable, efficient, accountable, ecologically sound, & proven
Plan: multifaceted hunting approach• Police Force• Consulting Firm• Recreational Hunters
Reducing the deer population will lead to an increase in biodiversity - both in plants & animals.
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Positive Results of an Appropriately Managed Deer
Population• Larger healthier deerLarger healthier deer• Improving habitat Improving habitat • Conserving biodiversityConserving biodiversity• Increased Environmental/Educational Increased Environmental/Educational
OpportunitiesOpportunities• Economic benefitsEconomic benefits• Provides food/sustenance Provides food/sustenance • Decreased human/wildlife conflictDecreased human/wildlife conflict• Cultural Traditions/Recreational Cultural Traditions/Recreational
OpportunitiesOpportunities• Funds raised to contribute to other Funds raised to contribute to other
wildlife management effortswildlife management efforts
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Fairfax County Parks:
Huntley Meadows
Pohick Bay
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NEXT: Application of Deer Management Strategy in Fairfax
County, VA
• Fairfax County Deer Management Plan
• Comparison of Huntley Meadows & Pohick Bay
• Recommendation to Hemlock Overlook
Huntley Meadows - sharpshooting, managed hunts
(shotgun & archery)
Pohick Bay - no planned reductions
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Questions?