Life History and Population Dynamics of White-Tailed Deer in Occupied Panther Range of Southwest Florida
Land ED. Life History and Population Dynamics of White-Tailed Deer in Occupied Panther Range of Southwest Florida
Bear Island is the location within Big Cypress National Preserve for this study of white-tailed deer. This unit has the highest density of deer of the preserve lands which are open to hunting and also occupied by panthers. The author examines life expectancy of both adults and fawns, along with related behavioral data, to provide information for decisions regarding management of the herd, particularly in relation to its importance as prey for the endangered Florida panther. Study results show a stable herd, with most deaths of does caused by predation (bobcats and, to a lesser extent, panthers). High water during spring, however, is associated with a decrease in survival of fawns, and several wet springs could be expected to reduce the herd size, at least temporarily. With data tables and graphs.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Land, E
- Units
- BICY
- Keywords
- Animal Behavior, Animal Studies, Bear Island Big Cypress National Preserve FL, Florida Panther (Felis concolor coryi), Impacts, Management, Population Density, Population Dynamics, Predation, Water Level, White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)