Saw an interesting program that decimation of the deer predators, bears, wolves and puma, has resulted in a deer population explosion that has decimated the next generations of trees and shrubs. In effect, over population of deer is deforesting areas. I'm reminded of an image from North Africa where an area fenced off from camels and other herbivores had reverted to scrub on one side and remained desert sand on the other. The fence was enough. Bob Wilson
I remember working on an ecology class project on deer fencing for forestry research, similar to this article: Forest Finance 2: Fencing for Forest Regeneration: Does It Pay? The thing is that was over 30 years ago when I was in college. So, this is not a new idea.
I saw that too; interesting episode (as usual). Keystone, once explained, is a great term people like me won't forget.
I gave not seen the show. Here is a long population view The Decline of Deer Populations - Deer Friendly I suppose for most of the time axis, population estimates were based on not much data. However the implication is that forest vegetation has been (partially) under deer control generally, except during a couple of centuries of high hunting efficiency. Did Nova mention Chronic Wasting Disease? Chronic Wasting Disease FAQ – CWD-INFO.ORG It is otherwise capturing a lot of attention. Remains unknown whether eating affected animals is a really bad idea for people.
So that's a pretty good definition of a problem. But what if any are the answers? My hunting friends, would say it would be to allow more Deer Hunting. But I suspect it's not out of some well meaning concern for the ecological balance on the planet, as much as it is they just want to Deer Hunt more. Since my speculation is very simply that the decrease in Deer Predators is almost primarily correspondent to the increase of impact humanity has placed on their respective environments...this is simple, however it makes solutions difficult. I seriously think we could easily meddle, and reduce deer population which in turn would probably help with the deforestation issue. But since I think the real root of the problem is that mankind is real good at messing up natures balance, and not so good at living with it, or restoring it, my hopes for a long term, tangible solution to the problem that doesn't include a Will Smith, I Am Legend like scenario, are pretty small.
we've had an explosion, along with tick borne diseases, but never had the predators to begin with. development and reduced hunting are two factors i'm aware of.
Reintroducing wolves into Yellowstone has resulted in more grass, more trees, and even modified stream paths. The wolves caught a few elk, but they really scared the elk away from the grassland. Fewer elk, more grass and woody plants. Google "wolves yellowstone reintroduction" for lots more.
