Effect of supplemental feeding on spatial distribution and browse utilization by white-tailed deer in semi-arid rangeland

We investigate the risk that supplemental feeding of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) to improve trophy quality may degrade rangeland through overutilization of forage plants near the feeders. We divided a South Texas ranch into 6 areas (each 1100 ha). Supplemental feed was provided year-...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of arid environments Vol. 66; no. 4; pp. 716 - 726
Main Authors Cooper, S.M., Owens, M.K., Cooper, R.M., Ginnett, T.F.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2006
Subjects
browsing
deer
dietary supplements
feeders
feeding preferences
Foraging
Home range
Odocoileus virginianus
overgrazing
population distribution
rangelands
seedlings
semiarid zones
Vegetation community dynamics
Texas
USA, Texas
Vegetation community dynamics
Home range
Foraging
Odocoileus virginianus
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:We investigate the risk that supplemental feeding of white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) to improve trophy quality may degrade rangeland through overutilization of forage plants near the feeders. We divided a South Texas ranch into 6 areas (each 1100 ha). Supplemental feed was provided year-round in a centrally placed feeder in 3 areas, no supplement was provided in the 3 control areas. Radio-telemetry collars were fitted on 2 bucks and 2 does in each area. Spatial distribution of these deer was assessed using the CALHOME program. Feed supplementation did not alter home range size of does but did reduce their 50% core area. Bucks without supplemental feed showed 2 spatial strategies; sedentary bucks had home range distributions similar to supplemented bucks, while commuter bucks moved to supplemented areas during the breeding season. Browsing pressure near feeders and control sites was assessed by measuring consumption of seedlings set in arrays radiating from feeders and control points. Deer browsing was heavier near feeders than at the control sites, and the probability of a seedling being browsed increased with proximity to the feeder. We caution against long-term supplemental feeding in fixed locations because of the potential for localized range degradation around the feeders.
Bibliography:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.11.015
ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
content type line 23
ISSN:0140-1963
1095-922X
DOI:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.11.015