Vegetation Responses to Natural Regulation of Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park

摘要

A quasi-experimental situation exists in Rocky Mountain National Park, where elk211u001e(Cervus elaphus) populations have increased about 3-fold since 1968, following 211u001etheir release from artificial controls within the park boundaries. We reviewed 211u001edata collected on vegetation transects established and monitored over the 25-year 211u001eperiod from 1968 through 1992. Data were subjected to rigorous statistical 211u001eanalysis to detect trends following the release of elk from artificial controls. 211u001eIncreases in elk habitat use and decreases in deer habitat use were observed on 211u001eall transects over the 25-year period.