By Jeff Isacksen

St. Edward’s University Special for the Picayune

The over-population of white-tailed deer in the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is an ongoing problem. Huge numbers of deer have devastated natural habitats, leaving their herds crowded and starving — and they aren’t the only ones suffering.

The rapid growth of the deer population damages local ecosystems, putting strain on native plant and animal life. The Texas Red Oak, among many other species, faces dwindling numbers. The deer herds are eating species like the red oaks faster than they can repopulate.

“Because we have such an over-population of deer, there is not a regeneration of oak species. Trees are approaching the end of their life span,” said Mitch Robinson, Education and Land Manager at the Wild Basin. “We are really at what is considered the climax of the forest.”

Projections for both the white-tails and the red oaks may seem grim, but students at St. Edward’s University will soon join the ranks of those hunting for a solution.

This spring, the university will offer a deer management course that gives students a chance to help tackle the unbalanced ecosystem. The course, taught by Peter Beck, associate professor of Environmental Science and Policy, will have students conducting field research on the grounds of the Wild Basin to gather real, applicable data.

“We know that deer are having an impact on the ecology of Wild Basin, but we don’t have the data to verify their impact,” Beck said. “This project will provide baseline data on aspects such as impact on native vegetation, disease transmission, economic consequences of deer populations — and even public attitudes that will be necessary for Wild Basin managers to draft a deer management strategy.”

“Student researchers will be assisted by Wild Basin Director Monica Swartz, Land Manager Mitch Robinson and me,” Beck explained. “They will present their research results in a symposium at the end of spring term.”

Beck’s students will not only get hands-on experience with professional direction, they will also fill gaps in the understanding of the white-tail population problem. Their research could help control herds not only at the Wild Basin, but in the greater Austin area as well.

The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve serves as an interdisciplinary laboratory of St. Edward’s University to protect and maintain its urban wilderness and to promote the importance of environmental education, research, conservation and preservation.Collaboration between the Wild Basin and St. Edward’s enables the creation of programs and initiatives that serve to fulfill the mission. Visit wildbasin.org for more information.
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