HTLN Deer Geodatabase

Haack, Jennifer; Haack, Jennifer

White-tailed deer are an important component of ecosystems on National Park Service Lands. However, lack of natural predators on most National Park Service lands make deer vulnerable to over population and related disease problems. As long as food is available and mortality low deer populations can increase rapidly. High deer populations contribute to over-browsing of vegetation, which can lead to plant mortality, decreased plant reproduction and an increase potential for invasion by exotic species. This shift in species assemblages can reduce plant diversity on a local level and cause changes in the functioning of a plant community. Adequate information regarding population status of deer enable land managers to conduct appropriate controls to ensure that vegetation within a Heartland Network unit is not negatively impacted and the continuation of native plant communities ensured.