The Lesson of the Kaibab Quiz & Flashcards

What two methods did the Forest Service decide to use to protect the Kaibab deer in 1906 and 1907?

How many total predators were removed from the preserve between 1907 and 1939?

In 1915, the deer herd was ___ below the carrying capacity.

In 1920, the deer herd was ___ above the carrying capacity.

By 1924, the deer herd had almost ___ the carrying capacity.

Did the Forest Service program appear to be successful between 1905 and 1924?

Why did the population of deer decline in 1925 despite the removal of predators?

Do you think any changes had occurred in the carrying capacity of the range from 1900 to 1940?

Why was the population of deer in 1900 only 4,000 when the range had an estimated carrying capacity of 30,000?

What do you think would have happened to the deer population after 1900 without human interference?

What major lessons were learned from the Kaibab deer experience?

What recommendations would you have made in 1915 based on the lessons learned?

What future management plan would you suggest for the Kaibab deer herd?

Kaibab Deer Management Overview

In 1906-1907, the Forest Service aimed to protect the Kaibab deer by creating the Grand Canyon National Game Preserve and eliminating predators.
A total of 8,724 predators were removed from the preserve between 1907 and 1939.

Deer Herd and Carrying Capacity

In 1915, the deer herd was 5 lower than the range's carrying capacity.
By 1920, the herd exceeded the carrying capacity by 5; in 1924, the population reached nearly three times the carrying capacity.

Success of Forest Service Program

Between 1905 and 1924, the program was deemed successful due to a significant rise in deer population.

Decline of Deer Population in 1925

The deer population declined due to overpopulation leading to starvation, despite predator removal.

Changes in Carrying Capacity (1900-1940)

The carrying capacity of the range decreased over time as overgrazing reduced available food supply, initially set at 30,000 but unable to sustain the growing herd of 100,000.

Reason for Low Deer Population in 1900

The population of 4,000 deer in 1900, compared to a capacity of 30,000, likely resulted from overgrazing affecting food resources.

Hypothetical Scenario Without Human Intervention

Without human interference, the deer population would have likely remained around 4,000 due to limited food sources from overgrazing.

Lessons from the Kaibab Deer Experience

The situation highlighted the delicate balance between carrying capacity, food sources, climate, hunting, and predator management for land managers.

Recommendations for 1915 Management

Suggested reducing grazing animals to allow more space for deer, permitting hunting to control deer numbers by 1923, and either reintroducing deer or limiting hunting for population recovery by 1939.

Future Management Plan Suggestions

Propose controlled hunting of deer, reintroducing some predators, and implementing birth control measures to manage deer population sustainably.

Test your knowledge on the Kaibab deer management methods and their impacts. This quiz covers key events from the early 20th century regarding predator control and deer population dynamics. Explore the history and consequences of wildlife management in the Grand Canyon area.