Using deer enclosures to aid in forest understory restoration at Rider University

Using deer enclosures to aid in forest understory restoration at Rider University

Since the 1800s when eastern wolves were
eradicated in the eastern U.S., deer overpopulation
has been negatively affecting the growth and
biodiversity of understory vegetation in forests.
White tailed deer have been consuming understory
vegetation at an unsustainable rate. Many native
plants are favored by deer and do not have a chance
to reach maturity. This will alter the composition of
forests over time, reducing numbers of native plants
while allowing non native, invasive plant species to
thrive.

For this study, a one acre plot of Rider University’s
forest was enclosed with a ten foot tall fence to
prevent deer from entering. This land will be
surveyed to understand which plant species the forest
understory could be composed of if the deer
population was under control.

Hypothesis: In absence of deer, understory seedlings
and herbaceous plants will be restored along with the
forest floor. With this, native species will be able to
thrive and reach maturity, rather than being
consumed as juveniles. With an increase of native
species, biodiversity will be increased and pollinators
will return in higher population numbers.

Murphy, Ashley
Sendall, Kerrie

Department of Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience and Health Sciences, Rider
University

Poster

English