The effects of deer browsing on species richness and density of an exclosure.

Abstract

In light of the high White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus population density in Michigan, it is important to understand how their browsing h . bits affect tree, shrub, and groundcover species growth. We hypothesized that are with significant deer browse would have less species richness and density than areas deer were not able to browse. The forested area we surveyed at the University of Mic igan Biological Station in Pellston, Michigan, had a deer exclosure built 17 years ag i , which allowed us to compare the effects of deer browse over time with the exclosure area as a control. We recorded groundcover species, tree species density and tree di . eter at breast height (DBH) both inside and outside of the deer exclosure. Trees tha were browsed outside the exclosure were also identified and recorded. We did n i t find any statistical difference in woody or herbaceous ground cover species density and richness. We also found that, although certain species of trees were more likely tole browsed than others, the browsing preference at the site did not follow previous resear h on deer preference.