Demographic Differences in Contiguous Populations of White-Tailed Deer

Abstract

Over 5000 deer (O. virginianus) were collected from 2 contiguous areas in South Carolina [USA] between 1965 and 1971. Age- and sex-specific survival rates were about equal in the 2 populations, but fawn production, age structure and sex ratios differed markedly despite close proximity of the herds. Carrying capacity, population pressure and degree of environmental stability were probably responsible for most of the observed demographic differences. Age-specific dispersal was not a factor in herd dynamics. Contiguous, localized populations under different environmental conditions may operate independently of each other.