Study

Coyote removal, understory cover, and survival of white-tailed deer neonates

  • Published source details Kilgo J.C., Vukovich M., Scott R.H., Shaw C.E. & Ruth C. (2014) Coyote removal, understory cover, and survival of white-tailed deer neonates. Journal of Wildlife Management, 78, 1261-1271.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Remove or control predators

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Remove or control predators

    A replicated, before-and-after study in 2006–2012 in three forest sites in South Carolina, USA (Kilgo et al. 2014) found that control of coyotes Canis latrans increased fawn survival in white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus in two out of three years. The annual survival rate of deer calves was higher one year (0.51) and three years (0.43) after the start of coyote control than before control (0.23), but did not differ two years (0.20) after the start of coyote control. The percentage of fawn mortalities that resulted from predation by coyotes was similar after (73%) compared to before control (80%). Between mid-January and early April 2010–2012, four hundred and seventy-four coyotes were removed from three 32-km2 sites (1.6 coyotes /km2/year) by trapping. The survival of 216 fawns (91 before and 125 after coyote control) was monitored using motion-sensitive radio-collars. Calves were monitored every eight hours if younger than four weeks, 1–3 times/day up to 12 weeks of age, weekly up to 16 weeks and 1–4 times/month up to 12 months.

    (Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust