| Although mule deer are common in the Sierra Nevada, individual herds have declined for 40 years due to wintering habitat loss, deer-vehicle collisions, wildfires, drought, and competition with cattle. Mule deer are a prey species for top predators, such as mountain lions, and a hunter-valued game species. These deer function also as an umbrella species---ultimately contributing to an overall goal of protecting biodiversity. Mule deer habitat needs protection, with herds managed accordingly. This study examines land management for important at-risk habitat of three eastern Sierra Nevada mule deer populations. Using GIS, I identified distinct mule deer distributions and determined areas most important to purchase or place under a conservation easement. I then examined other threats to mule deer persistence and land use conflicts associated with protecting mule deer habitat. |
