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
Recommended Citation
Daoud, John, "Overrun and Understory: A Study of Deer Herbivory and Its Impact on Young Forest Regeneration in Wooster Memorial Park, Ohio" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11487.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11487
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
© Copyright 2025 John Daoud