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Comparison of estimated white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population densities during two different seasons in the Miami University Natural Areas

Barrett, Michelle L.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1417016979

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Environmental Science, Miami University, Environmental Sciences.
Wildlife habitat in southwest Ohio has been significant altered by agricultural and suburban development. A reduction or loss of natural predators and habitat changes has led to greater abundance of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) , which can pose major environmental impacts and human-wildlife conflicts. In order to manage a deer population to an acceptable carrying capacity, it is important to have accurate measurements of deer density. This study used pellet-group distance sampling using transects (varying in length from 500 to 800 meters) at five different sites in order to estimate the deer density in the Miami University Natural Areas. Data were collected during two different seasons which resulted in estimated white-tailed deer population densities of 11.2 deer km^(-2) in summer and 18.1 deer km^(-2) in winter. Previous studies have shown that population sizes usually decreases during the winter due to increased mortality from weather, food related, and human related causes. One explanation for the increased population density in this study is the migration into the forests of the Natural Areas from surrounding agricultural or suburban. Both estimates were higher than the recommended carrying capacities for other areas of the eastern deciduous forest, which are 5.8-7.7 deer per km^(-2). Further monitoring of deer population size in the Natural Areas continued will enable the establishment of a baseline densities that can be used to compare the effectiveness of a deer management plan should one be established in the future.
Thomas Crist, PhD (Advisor)
Melany Fisk, PhD (Committee Member)
John Maingi, PhD (Committee Member)
52 p.
Ecology; Environmental Science
White-tailed deer; Odocoileus virginianus; population density; distance sampling; pellet-group distance sampling

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Barrett, M. L. (2014). Comparison of estimated white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population densities during two different seasons in the Miami University Natural Areas [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1417016979

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Barrett, Michelle. Comparison of estimated white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population densities during two different seasons in the Miami University Natural Areas . 2014. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1417016979.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Barrett, Michelle. "Comparison of estimated white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population densities during two different seasons in the Miami University Natural Areas ." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1417016979

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1417016979
936
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.