Dietary Overlap between Native Sitka Black-Tailed Deer and Introduced Elk in Southeast Alaska
Kirchhoff MD and Larsen DN. 1998. Dietary Overlap between Native Sitka Black-Tailed Deer and Introduced Elk in Southeast Alaska. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 62(1):236-242
We studied diet composition of native Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) and a growing herd of introduced elk (Cervis elaphus) on Etolin Island to evaluate potential interspecific competition. Diets of deer and elk were similar during a mild, relatively snow-free winter, with both species heavily relying on salal (Gaultheria shallon), red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), and western redcedar (Thuja plicata). As expected, elk ate more grasses (Poaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae) than deer, and deer ate more forbs and low-growing evergreen plants than elk. Relatively low plant diversity in Southeast Alaska limits options for divergence in deer and elk diets. At present, high dietary overlap probably does not infer direct competition for food resources because both deer and elk populations are relatively low, and food does not appear limiting. However, as their populations increase or should harsh winter weather reduce the variety and availability of winter foods, intra- and interspecific competition is inevitable. Crown closure following clearcut logging will decrease forage abundance and increase competition between deer and elk over the long term.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Kirchhoff, Matthew; Larsen, Douglas
- Units
- GLBA , KLGO , SEAN , SITK
- Keywords
- Cervids, Cervus elaphus nelsoni, Cervus elaphus roosevelti, Food Habits, forages, Forests, Mule Deer, Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis, Old Growth, Rocky Mountain Elk, Roosevelt Elk, Selection, Sitka Black-Tailed Deer, Spruce, Western Washington, Winter