The expanding range of white-tailed deer into the boreal forest of Western Canada has been linked to declines in woodland caribou populations. Researchers from UBC Okanagan and their partners have been studying this phenomenon for over five years, focusing on how changing climates and human-induced habitat alterations are enabling deer to push further north. While milder winters due to climate change provide deer with more food sources, the same conditions can be detrimental to other species, such as the threatened woodland caribou. This research highlights the complex interplay between climate change, habitat alteration, and species interactions in the northern boreal forest ecosystem.
Deer have been identified as ecosystem disruptors in the boreal forest, as areas with higher deer densities tend to have more wolves. These wolves are predators of caribou, which are unable to withstand high predation rates like deer can. By studying white-tailed deer populations, researchers hope to gain insights that can aid in the recovery of caribou populations. The researchers found that deer density was lower in areas with colder, snowier winters, suggesting that climate plays a significant role in shaping deer populations. However, human-induced habitat alterations were also found to influence deer densities, albeit to a lesser extent than climate factors.
The research team conducted their study in the northern Alberta-Saskatchewan border region, where they maintained wildlife cameras to monitor large mammal populations. They found that deer density was significantly influenced by winter severity, with colder, snowier winters associated with lower deer densities. As climate change progresses and winters become milder, deer are expected to continue expanding northwards and increasing in abundance, posing a greater risk to caribou populations. This highlights the need for conservation efforts to consider the impacts of changing climates and expanding deer populations on vulnerable species like caribou.
The study also emphasizes the importance of considering human land use practices when planning for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration. Human-induced habitat alterations were found to have a smaller but still significant impact on deer densities compared to climate factors. As land use practices and climate change continue to affect wildlife populations, conservation efforts must take these factors into account to ensure the long-term viability of vulnerable species like caribou. The researchers stress the need for a holistic approach to ecosystem restoration that considers the interactions between different species and their changing habitats.
As researchers continue to monitor white-tailed deer populations and their impact on the boreal forest ecosystem, they hope to gain a better understanding of how changing climates and human-induced habitat alterations are shaping wildlife populations. By studying the interactions between deer, wolves, and caribou, researchers aim to develop conservation strategies that support the recovery of threatened species like caribou. The findings of this study highlight the complex and interconnected nature of ecosystems in the face of climate change and underscore the importance of considering these dynamics in biodiversity conservation efforts. Through ongoing research and conservation efforts, researchers hope to mitigate the impacts of climate change and human activities on wildlife populations and promote the long-term health and resilience of boreal forest ecosystems.
