The Kaibab Deer Incident: A Long-persisting Myth
Burk CJ. 1973. The Kaibab Deer Incident: A Long-persisting Myth. BioScience. 23(2):113-114
The dramatic irruption and subsequent decline of a population of Rocky Mountain mule deer on the Kaibab plateau is too frequently cited in general biology, ecology, and conservation texts. Teachers, authors and editors are reminded that the data supporting this example have been shown to be unreliable and inconsistent. The author considers inaccurate the standard account of the increase of mule deer on the North Rim when predators were largely removed. He finds oversimplifications and distortions in the biology textbook discussions using this case as a warning of population explosion and then an inevitable crash when animals multiply beyond the capacity of their habitat. There is little evidence given by the author, however.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Burk, C
- Units
- GRCA
- Keywords
- Kaibab Plateau (AZ), Mammals, Management, Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus), North Rim (GRCA), NPSRecord, Overpopulation, Plants, Predators, Vegetation