| The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has addressed a need to re-evaluate Michigan's deer population goals with a consideration of how the range of biotic and abiotic factors within landscapes influence deer habitat selection and subsequently affects populations. This study was initiated to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between white-tailed deer populations and their habitat based on the ecological potential of habitat types and how they can be managed in Michigan. Habitat types were defined in 3 areas of Michigan using digital vegetation and soil databases, empirical vegetation attribute data, and ecological classification systems. Compositional, structural, and geological information were identified for each habitat type and stored in a database. Three deer habitat requirements were identified from literature and a habitat classification key was developed, which identifies habitat suitability values associated with a range of habitat conditions within landscapes. Landscape-scale models were constructed that quantify habitat suitability for each seral stage within habitat types. The highest suitability that a habitat type could attain is indicative of habitat potential (i.e., the capability of an area being or becoming habitat based on biological and geological characteristics). The spatial distribution of habitat potential can be projected in a GIS and combined with deer demographic data to establish realistic deer management goals based on the ecological potential of landscapes and population patterns. |
