The Impact of Deer Herbivory and Drought on Population Growth of Goodyera pubescens (Orchidaceae) in Southwestern Quebec

Authors

  • Joyce M. Reddoch 548 Rivershore Crescent, Gloucester, Ontario K1J 7Y7
  • Allan H. Reddoch 548 Rivershore Crescent, Gloucester, Ontario K1J 7Y7

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v126i3.1369

Keywords:

Downy Rattlesnake-plantain, Goodyera pubescens, long-term studies, population growth, climate, herbivory, White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, 2012 drought, Gatineau Park, Quebec

Abstract

During the last decade of a 37-year study of Downy Rattlesnake-plaintain (Goodyera pubescens (Willdenow) R. Brown) major herbivory by White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) caused marked decreases in the sizes of two previously expanding populations. The 2012 drought resulted in an additional decline of one population. Because population growth depends on large flowerings, which occur only every four to eight years, recovery to 2002 levels would take several decades under favourable conditions.

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Published

2013-01-23

Issue

Vol. 126 No. 3 (2012)

Section

Notes

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