Hurricane Georges and Key Deer
How did the Key deer population fare during Hurricane Georges? How many
survived the 100+ mph winds and storm surge? What effect did the storm have
on the Key deer's fresh water and food supply? From a scientific perspective
Hurricane Georges' assault on Big Pine and No Name Keys is of considerable
interest. It has long been hypothesized that a significant storm might have a
negative impact on the Key deer.
The ongoing Texas A&M study of the Key deer provides some tentative answers. Among the 53 deer which have been fitted with radio collars for the study, there was only one fatality -- a drowning. Extrapolating to the general population, this suggests a better than 98% survival rate!
Despite the fact that some areas occupied by radio-collared animals were completely submerged in water (e.g., Long Beach, Munson Island), deer (including fawns!) were able to survive. Although fresh water lenses were contaminated with the storm surge, heavy rains since the storm have put many of these lenses on the road to recovery. Furthermore, other natural depressions held fresh water which was available to the deer.
Many habitats important for Key deer were altered by uprooted trees and loss of branches. But although the result may not be esthetically pleasing, overall the storm was probably beneficial for Key deer because it opened the overstory canopy to allow more sunlight to reach the forest floor. This will stimulate new growth easily available to the deer (remember, when it comes to food, the world of a Key deer is 3 feet high!). It remains to be seen, however, whether the storm also opened the forest to invasion by exotic plant species.
In any case, it is important to remember that violent storms are a part of the natural environment in which the Key deer evolved. As the Texas A&M study continues it will provide further information about the long-term effects of Hurricane Georges on the Key deer.
Article from the Key Deer Protection Alliance Newsletter - 1998