The Lesson of the Kaibab

The actions responsible for the changes in the deer population of the Kaibab Plateau from 1905 to 1939 include:

• Removal of natural predators and restrictions on hunting

• Introduction of new plant species

• Increase in rainfall and water sources

• Construction of highways through the plateau

A management plan for the Kaibab deer population should include which of the following actions?

• Implement controlled hunting to balance the population with available resources.

• Eliminate all predators to protect the deer population.

• Increase the deer population by providing unlimited food.

• Allow the deer population to grow without any intervention.

In 1906 and 1907, the Forest Service decided to use which two methods to protect the Kaibab deer?

• Hunting restrictions and predator control

• Habitat destruction and water diversion

• Introduction of new species and logging

• Fencing and relocation

The total number of predators removed from the preserve between 1907 and 1939 was:

• 6,529

• 8,724

• 10,000

• 4,750

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The relationship of the deer herd to the carrying capacity of the range in 1915, 1920, and 1924 was:

• In 1915, the herd was below carrying capacity; in 1920, way above carrying capacity; in 1924, below carrying capacity.

• In 1915, the herd was above carrying capacity; in 1920, below carrying capacity; in 1924, near carrying capacity.

• In 1915, the herd was at carrying capacity; in 1920, far below carrying capacity; in 1924, far above carrying capacity.

• In 1915, the herd was far above carrying capacity; in 1920, at carrying capacity; in 1924, below carrying capacity.

Did the Forest Service program appear to be successful between 1905 and 1924.

• Yes, although the deer population rose to well over carrying capacity and later fell well-below, there was still a gain of 6,000 deer by 1924.

• No, the program was not successful from the beginning and as a result the deer became extinct by 1924.

• Yes, the program was successful from the beginning and created a deer population well over carrying capacity by 1924.

• There is not enough information to determine the success.

The population of the deer declined in 1925 although the predators were being removed. What could be the reason for this decline?

• The deer population exceeded the carrying capacity, leading to food shortage.

• The climate became much colder, causing more deaths.

• Predators returned in larger numbers than before.

• The deer migrated to another area.

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The population of deer in 1905 was 4000, even though the range had an estimated carrying capacity of 30,000. What could be a reason for this difference?

• The deer population was limited by factors other than carrying capacity, such as food, disease, or predation.

• The carrying capacity was overestimated by scientists.

• The deer population had just experienced a sudden increase.

• The range was recently expanded to accommodate more deer.

Without the well-meaning interference of humans, what do you think would have happened to the deer population after 1905?

• The deer population would have likely decreased to lower numbers.

• The deer population would have increased uncontrollably.

• The deer population would have remained exactly the same.

• The deer population would have migrated to a different region.

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The major lesson learned from the Kaibab deer experience was:

• Human interference in natural populations can lead to ecological imbalance.

• Predators are not important for ecosystem stability.

• Deer populations can thrive indefinitely without predators.

• Overhunting is the only threat to deer populations.

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