An Argument to Increase the Population of Mule Deer in the Desert Southwest Through Habitat Improvement and QDM

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This dissertation is an opportunity for me to extend my regards to my research supervisor, my beloved friends, and my family for their untiring support that they furnished throughout my research. I am grateful to them for their belief in me and the guidance that they provided me without which I would have never been able to work on and complete this research. It also signifies my own views and does not closely relate to the university.

Signature: _______________________________

Date: __________________________

DECLARATION

I, (Your name), would like to declare that all contents included in this study stand for my individual work without any aid, and this proposal has not been submitted for any examination at academic as well as professional level, previously. It is also represents my very own views and not essentially those that are associated with other university.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

In the Desert Southwest, the mule deer is one of the only handfuls of large herbivores that have survived huge extinctions. These animals' posses relatively robust body forms and large ears as compared to their close relative the white tailed deer. The habitat of mule deer basically includes an excessive land forms that provides thermal cover and hiding, vegetation, access to water source, and herbaceous forage. The requirement of habitat of mule deer must be integrated into the management of land so improvements to the habitat of mule deer can be made on the scale of landscape as a particular rule rather than the exception. The suggestions provided in this document will help resource managers in creating habitat conditions in desert environment to mule deer. The habitat of deserts serves to be very productive for the mule deer but thoughtful and active management is needed. This dissertation will prepare to assist the needs.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS2

DECLARATION3

Abstract4

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION7

Purpose of the Study7

Problem of the study7

Significance of the study8

Aims and Objectives8

CHAPTER 2: DISCUSSION9

The Southwest Desert's Ecoregion9

Habitat9

Population10

Contributing Factors and Major Impacts To Mule Deer Habitat10

Long-term Fire Suppression11

Excessive Herbivory12

Water Availability12

Non-native Invasive Species12

Energy and Mineral Development13

PROPOSED PLAN13

Population management14

Habitat improvement14

Grazing14

Fire15

Water Development15

Predation15

CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSION16

References17

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Purpose of the Study

The focus of this study is to make an Argument to Increase the Population of Mule Deer in the Desert Southwest through quality deer management association and Habitat Improvement. For this purpose the peer reviewed and scientific literature on the quality management of deer and habitat of mule deer in the south western deserts was studied so that the knowledge can be enhanced and it assist in directing future researches.

Problem of the study

The desert mule deer represent one of the most significant species in the regions of deserts in the Northwestern Mexico and South Western United States. Habitat relationship, biology, and population dynamics of the desert mule deer have been documented well in the United States. But it has been reported that in western United States Mule deer population is declining and the reason for its decline is currently not ...