A Paleozoological Perspective on White-Tailed Deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Odocoileus virginianus texana</Emphasis>) Population Density and Body Size in Central Texas |
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Authors: | Steve Wolverton James H Kennedy John D Cornelius |
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Institution: | (1) Institute of Applied Sciences & Department of Geography, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 305279, Denton, Texas 76203-5279, USA;(2) Institute of Applied Sciences & Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 310599, Denton, Texas 76203, USA;(3) Orion Research & Management Services, Inc., 21 Cedar Trail, Belton, Texas 76513, USA;(4) Natural Resources Branch, Fort Hood DPW, Building 1939, Rod and Gun Club Loop at 53rd, Fort Hood, Texas 76544-5028, USA |
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Abstract: | Archaeological and paleontological datasets are used in conservation to add time-depth to ecology. In central Texas, several
top carnivores including prehistoric Native American hunters have been extirpated or have had their historic ranges restricted,
which has resulted in pest-level white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus texana) populations in some areas. Differences in body size of deer between prehistory and modernity are expected, given that a
lack of predation likely has increased intraspecific competition for forage among deer, resulting in smaller body size today.
In fact, modern deer from settings without harvest pressure are significantly smaller than those from harvested areas and
from prehistoric deer. From a natural history perspective, this research highlights potential evolutionary causes and effects
of top-predator removal on deer populations and related components of biological communities in central Texas. |
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Keywords: | White-tailed deer Management Body size Population density Overabundance Paleozoology |
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