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- Info
Are overabundant deer herds in the eastern United States creating alternate stable states in the forest plant communities?
| Author: |
Stromayer, K.A.K.; Warren, R.J. |
| Date: |
1997 |
| Periodical: |
Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Abstract: |
The concept of an alternate stable state (i.e., a stable condition in an ecological community at a different stage than that which would be predicted, based on the prevailing ecological and successional conditions) has been examined in recent reviews in the literature of rangeland vegetation communities. This concept also may be useful for understanding the impacts of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) browsing on woody-plant communities. Our review of the literature revealed at least 3 mechanisms whereby deer can create such states. We present an example of an apparent alternate stable state created by deer, as well as several examples of suppressed forest regeneration that may be precursors to such a state. Evidence suggests that deer may create alternate stable states in woody plant communities of the eastern United States. The trend of increasing deer populations in many parts of the eastern United States suggests that the ecological effects of deer on plant communities may intensify in the future. |
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