Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We have completed collection of samples from a population of white-tailed deer that is maintained at extremely high densities and a sex ratio of at least 2 bucks:doe. These samples have been examined for fecal glucocorticoids and testosterone, which should provide a reliable indicator of stress in the population. Additionally, these samples will be examined for parasites and levels of circulating testosterone. Analaysis of the relationships of these variables should provide insight into how stress varies with breeding effort and the manner in which stress negatively compromises immune function in free-ranging white-tailed deer. To date, the data generated form this project are still being analyzed and interpreted. However, preliminary analyses indicate the following: male deer exhibit greater stress levels than females during the breeding season, and their stress levels peak at the height of the breeding season (January in Alabama). Finally, preliminary evidence suggests that populations of white-tailed deer inside high fence enclosures and supplemented with pelleted feed exhibit lower levels of stress than free-ranging populations. We are in the process of collecting a second year's worth of data, and anticipate that analysis of these samples will be completed by end of summer 2008. Final interpretation is anticipated to be completed in fall 2008. PARTICIPANTS: Stephen S. Ditchkoff (PI) - Associate Professor, Auburn University Clint McCoy (M.S. Student) - Auburn University TARGET AUDIENCES: This information will potentially be used by owners and managers of high fence enclosures, as well as white-tailed deer biologists to begin to understand the role of stress in deer populations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: N/A

Impacts
Preliminary data suggest that populations of white-tailed deer inside high fence enclosures and supplemented with pelleted feed exhibit lower levels of stress than free-ranging populations. While further data are needed to verify these results, evidence to date suggests that social stress may not have as great an impact on growth, development, etc. of populations of white-tailed deer in high fence enclosures.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Data collected during this study examined the effects of high density on social stress of white-tailed deer. Socia;l stress was measured by examining levels of fecal glucocorticoids in the feces, and was examined in both sexes throughout the breeidng season oin side of a high density high fence enclosure and in free-ranging deer. Levels of fecal glucocorticoids were greater in the fenced population during 2007, but greater in the unfenced population during 2006. Levels of fecal glucocorticoids were greater in males than females, and tended to peak at or near the peak of the breeding season. These levels were associated positively with testosterone. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Stephen S. Ditchkoff (PI) - School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences; Clint McCoy (Graduate Research Assistant) - School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Our data suggest clear and defined patterns of stress levels in white-tailed deer during the breeidng season. But, the effects of density in high fenced population remains unclear. Because our data were inconsistent from year to year, it is possible that factors other than just social stress may have confounded our results.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
We have been collecting samples from a population of white-tailed deer that is maintained at extremely high densities and a sex ratio of at least 2 bucks:doe. These samples have been submitted for analysis of fecal glucocorticoids, which should provide a reliable indicator of stress in the population. Additionally, these samples will be examined for parasites and levels of circulating testosterone. Analaysis of the relationships of these variables should provide insight into how stress varies with breeding effort and the manner in which stress negatively compromises immune function in free-ranging white-tailed deer.

Impacts
Data collected from this project will provide landowners with information concerning the upper limits under which deer can be maintained without density-induced social stress.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
The primary goal of this project is to examine influences of social stress in white-tailed deer and other large mammal populations. The specific objectives of this project are to: (1) determine if density is associated with concentration of fecal glucocorticoids excreted with the feces in white-tailed deer populations at varying levels of density, (2) determine whether concentration of excreted fecal glucocorticoids varies seasonally, and (3) determine whether concentrations of fecal glucocorticoids are associated with abundance of fecal parasites. At this time, fecal samples are being collected from a population of white-tailed deer that are maintained behind a high fence at densities far exceeding natural densities. These data will allow us to determine the effects that social stress related to high density have on antler development and body size of deer. We are also examining stress in urban populations of white-tailed deer to determine how human-induced stress influences fitness correlates of neonatal white-tailed deer. We just completed the final year of the study that is comparing patterns of survival among fawns in both urban and rural environments. Overall, we found that predation rates on neonatal white-tailed deer were approximately 60%, much greater than most previously reported studies with rural white-tailed deer populations. Additionally, we are examining stress in feral swine on Ft. Benning, GA. In this study, we are comparing 2 populations (e.g., high and low density) with regards to density dependent stress. Approximately 150 fecal samples have been collected from trapped and hunter-harvested individuals in the population and samples are currently being tested.

Impacts
Data collected from this project will provide landowners with information concerning the upper limits under which deer can be maintained without density-induced social stress.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
The primary goal of this project is to examine influences of social stress in white-tailed deer and other large mammal populations. The specific objectives of this project are to: (1) determine if density is associated with concentration of fecal glucocorticoids excreted with the feces in white-tailed deer populations at varying levels of density, (2) determine whether concentration of excreted fecal glucocorticoids varies seasonally, and (3) determine whether concentrations of fecal glucocorticoids are associated with abundance of fecal parasites. At this time, fecal samples are being collected from a population of white-tailed deer that are maintained behind a high fence at densities far exceeding natural densities. These data will allow us to determine the effects that social stress related to high density have on antler development and body size of deer. We are also examining stress in urban populations of white-tailed deer to determine how human-induced stress influences fitness correlates of neonatal white-tailed deer. We are in the second year of a study that is comparing patterns of survival among fawns in both urban and rural environments. During the first year, we radio-collared 19 fawns in the urban study area: we captured 0 fawns in the rural area. Twelve of the 19 fawns died during the first 3 months and the primary causes of mortality were predation by coyotes and abandonment. Additionally, we are examining stress in feral swine on Ft. Benning, GA. In this study, we are comparing 2 populations (e.g., high and low density) with regards to density dependent stress. We are collecting fecal samples from trapped individuals in the population and testing levels of fecal glucocorticoids to determine stress level. This project has just begun this year.

Impacts
Data collected from this project will provide landowners with information concerning the upper limits under which deer can be maintained without density-induced social stress.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Partial funding has been acquired from private sources to support a portion of the project. Additional effort is being made to identify other sources of funding as well as study site locations. It is anticipated that work will begin during fall 2004, and will continue until fall 2005 for this project.

Impacts
Data collected from this project will provide landowners with information concerning the upper limits under which deer can be maintained without density-induced social stress.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 10/01/02 to 02/28/03

Outputs
Since this project only began during October, 2002, there is very little to report at this time. We are currently in the process of raising funds to support the project, and have generated some interest among local landowners. Field work to examine social stress in 3 high-fenced populations is expected to begin during August, 2003. We will sample these populations during 4 periods (lactation, pre-rut, rut, and post-rut) that are associated with elevated levels of stress due to social and/or nutritional constraints. These data should provide strong baseline information for further development of the project.

Impacts
Data derived from this project will provide landowners who have high-fenced populations of white-tailed deer with information on optimal densities for maintaining herd health.

Publications

• No publications reported this period