The Science of Overabundance

Easily the most common of America’s large wildlife species, white-tailed deer are often referred to as "overabundant." But when does a species cross the threshold from common to overpopulated? This question has been the focus of debate in recent years among hunters, animal rights activists, and biologists. William McShea and his colleagues explore every aspect of the issue in The Science of Overabundance. Are there really too many deer? Do efforts to control deer populations really work? What broader lessons can we learn from efforts to understand deer population dynamics? Through twenty-three chapters, the editors and contributors dismiss widely held lore and provide solid information on this perplexing problem.It is excellent to find the conclusions of researchers with disparate views and backgrounds aired in one volume. (Biodiversity And Conservation)

We recommend this book to anyone interested in deer populations and their effects on ecosystems. (Forest Science)

Everyone interested in the ecology and management of large herbivores should have a copy of this book. (Ecology)William J. McShea and John H. Rappole are conservation biologists with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute within the Smithsonian's National Zoo. H. Brian Underwood is director of park studies for the U.S. Geological Survey.In response to debate among hunters, animal rights activists, and biologists, 23 contributors explore every aspect of overabundance of white-tailed deer.