天堂鸟先生

Overbrowsing by deer on certain species can be severe and lead to the elimination of certain sensitive tree species, reducing biodiversity and bringing species to the brink of extinction. How do you manage this situation to avoid the worst outcome for the plant species while ensuring the deer feed sufficiently?

This question has motivated Jared DeForest of OHIO鈥檚 Department of Environmental and Plant Biology to partner with Brooks Kohli of the Department of Biological Sciences. The study of the impact of deer on the local environment assesses their feeding habits and behavior to create and test a wildlife management strategy.

The research, a course-based experiential learning project, considers how browsing habits and behaviors of deer affect the growth and survival rates of tree seedlings and herbaceous plants. Kohli鈥檚 Wildlife Habitat Management class is researching strategies and measures, mainly focusing on deer exclosures, to protect local habitat vegetation from over-browsing. 

The students collect data and test the impact of deer exclosures to mitigate deer interference and maintain biodiversity, allowing vegetation to recover and thrive. Their work is done in the field, helping the students determine the effectiveness of exclosure fencing and how well it protects the habitat鈥檚 vegetation from over-browsing.

鈥淭he project is supposed to act as a form of environmental literacy,鈥� DeForest said. 鈥淭hese exclosures will prevent deer from overgrazing and preserve the plant species around that area. Hopefully, in the next five or six years, when the area is full of life and blossoming, people can see them, and they can serve as an educational tool.鈥�