Abstract Detail

Interactions of White-Tailed Deer and Invasive Plants in Forests of Eastern North America

Gorchov, David L [1].

Interactions of white-tailed deer and invasive plants in forests of eastern North America.

Many forested areas of the eastern North America are impacted by both invasive non-native plants and high densities of white-tailed deer. Deer populations above historical densities and invasive plants have both been found to have negative effects on tree recruitment and diversity of forest floor plants, but the interactions between these 'drivers' are not well understood. Reductions in native herb cover due to intense deer browse appears to promote the invasion of some non-native forbs and grasses that are considered to be unpalatable, so these invasives may be 'passengers' rather than drivers of ecological change. Other invasive plants are readily consumed by deer, and it is not clear how deer preferences are shaped by the availability of native and invasive plants. Invasives may negatively affect native plants via 'apparent competition,' if they increase deer populations by providing cover or food at limiting times of year. In other cases, invasive shrubs may facilitate native tree recruitment by blocking deer browse. Below-ground interactions, including mycorrhizal fungi and non-native earthworms, appear also to be important intermediaries in the interactions between deer, invasive plants, and native plants.

1 - Miami University, Biology, 212 Pearson Hall, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Colloquium Presentations
Session: C1, Interactions of white-tailed deer and invasive plants in forests of eastern North America
Location: Chatham Ballroom - C/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 1:30 PM
Number: C1SUM
Abstract ID:1008
Candidate for Awards:None