Abstract

Forest regeneration is a critical component of ecosystem sustainability, ensuring biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and long-term habitat stability. However, overbrowsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has become a significant threat to this natural cycle, particularly in regions with high deer populations. This study investigates the impact of deer overabundance on forest regeneration by constructing eight exclosures, each paired with an adjacent control plot, to assess the effects of herbivory on seedling growth and survival. Each plot contained five seedlings of Acer rubrum (red maple) and Ulmus rubra (slippery elm), two species commonly affected by deer browsing. Over a three-month period, seedlings were monitored for growth metrics, leaf size, herbivory damage, and mortality rates. Results indicate that seedlings within the control plots experienced significantly higher rates of herbivory, evidenced by smaller leaf sizes, increased foliar damage, and greater mortality compared to those in the exclosures. These findings support the hypothesis that deer overbrowsing inhibits forest regeneration by disproportionately affecting young saplings, reducing their ability to reach maturity and contribute to forest succession. The implementation of exclosures was found to be an effective deterrent against herbivory, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective management strategy to mitigate the negative effects of deer overpopulation. This study underscores the importance of active management techniques in promoting sustainable forest growth and suggests that further research should explore long-term ecological impacts and scalable solutions for balancing deer populations with forest regeneration efforts.

Advisor

Lehtinen, Richard

Department

Biology

Disciplines

Biology | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Life Sciences | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Available for download on Sunday, July 21, 2030

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