Tim Bellhouse, Rick Rosatte
Assessment of the potential for negative interaction between re-introduced elk (Cervus elaphus) and resident white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in their wintering areas in Ontario, Canada
Attempts have been made to reintroduce elk (Cervus elaphus) in Ontario,
Canada, since the early 1900's. These efforts are on-going and current plans are
to establish viable elk populations in 6 pre-selected restoration sites in Ontario.
Significant populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) exist in
close proximity to some of the proposed restoration sites. Therefore a decision
was made to assess the potential impact of restoring elk in white-tailed deer
wintering areas in Ontario, prior to the release of elk. The primary concerns
regarding white-tailed deer/elk competition are transmission of the meningeal
worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) from white-tailed deer to elk and the winter
carrying capacity of habitat where the restoration is to occur. A review of existing
data revealed that significant winter concentrations of white-tailed deer do
exist in the vicinity of the Haliburton Highlands elk release site in southern
Ontario. However, that proposed release site is at least 10 km from white-tailed
deer wintering areas and restrictive winters occur infrequently in that area.
A review of the literature, as well as interviews with Provincial and State biologists
and elk managers revealed that although there was anecdotal evidence of
competition between elk and white-tailed deer in a few jurisdictions, there was
neither quantitative nor qualitative data to support or refute those claims.
However, as snow depths increase and elk switch to browse dominated diets,
there is potential for white-tailed deer/elk competition for resources if sharing
the same winter range, especially during severe winters. The chances that elk
and white-tailed deer will share the same winter range will depend on where the
released elk decide to settle for the winter, which may be influenced by availability
of unused winter habitat and the quality of the available habitat.
Therefore, elk will not be released directly into traditional white-tailed deer
wintering areas in Ontario. A comprehensive research and monitoring
program will be mandatory for future elk releases in Ontario.
Mammalia, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 0025-1461
Volume: 69, 04/2005
Pages: 35 - 56
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