Modeling the impact of selective harvesting on red deer antlers

摘要: Hunting is a common component in the management of ungulate species. Despite its widespread use, influence selective harvesting on phenotypic trait change still ambiguous, and represents critical gap our understanding responses wild populations under harvest. Using long-term red deer (Cervus elaphus) dataset (1972–2012) from Isle Rum National Nature Reserve, Scotland, we assessed relationship between antler length key demographic processes (i.e., survival, recruitment, growth, parent-offspring correlation) for male population. We then constructed first integral projection model this species to examine effects simulated trophy hunting 2 population-level parameters: stable size distribution relative reproductive value males. When mortality rates due were <20%, effect function relatively small. However, as increased 50% large individuals, direct mean became evident. Our acts useful starting point investigate ecological evolutionary consequences deer. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.