Effect of Family-Bond Deprivation on Reproductive Performance in Female White-Tailed Deer

Abstract

Behavioral and reproductive responses of female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to family-bond deprivation were investigated using a supplementally fed herd in a 252-ha enclosure. Females studied either composed the remaining individual of a former clan ("isolates") or were members of family groups ("socials"), a situation designed to mimic heavy vs. limited harvest of antlerless deer. Annual net population increment averaged 101.3% for the 3-year trial. Study treatment did not influence seasonal sociability trends, mean breeding dates, fecundity, or neonatal mortality rates among yearlings nor for does ≥3.5 years old. However, 2.5-year-old isolate does consistently outperformed their social counterparts by breeding earlier, conceiving larger litters, and rearing a greater proportion of their progeny. Simulated heavy exploitation of antlerless deer provided no evidence of deleterious effects on the reproductive performance of does without close kin, and in one age-class stimulated a better response.