IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Keehner, J.R.; Wielgus, R.B.; Waits, L.P. | |
| Hybridization Between White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer in Northeastern Washington: Are Mountain Lions Protecting the Genetic Integrity of Mule Deer? | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
Throughout western North America, mule deer (_Odocoileus hemionus_) herds are steadily declining in numbers. Many studies investigating the decline of the species have focused on loss of habitat, over-harvest or predation. Concurrent to the decline in mule deer, white-tailed deer (_Odocoileus virginianus_) are increasing in abundance and distribution in many areas where they are sympatric with mule deer. Hybridization amongst overlapping populations of mule deer and white-tailed deer has been confirmed in many locations. Levels of backcross and overall genetic introgression are unknown. F1 hybrids are known to lack an effective "anti-predation strategy" and we speculate Mountain lion (_Puma concolor_) predation may be the last line of defence of the genetic integrity of Mule deer by selecting for F1 hybrids and preventing genetic introgression of whitetail genes into mule deer herds. Testable hypotheses determining current levels of hybridization, hybrid fawn survival and predator selection ratios are the first steps in our investigation into the role of hybridization in mule deer declines. |
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