Sul Ross State University

Effect of SPAYVAC™ on the Population Dynamics of White-Tailed Deer
on the Johnson Space Center

by Saul Hernandez (Texas A&M University), Roel R. Lopez (Texas A&M University) and Louis A. Harveson

The effects of SPAYVAC™, a one-time-use contraceptive, on white-tailed deer (Odocoilius virginianus) in the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) will be researched in this project. The JSC is located in southwest Houston, Texas and is an enclosed 656-ha urban site containing approximately 180 deer.

A comparison between distance and mark-resight density estimates will be made along with a comparison between the ranges and movements of treated vs. control deer.

A deer model will also be made to compare the effect of SPAYVAC™ on the deer at different starting population levels. The last topic deals with finding out what the window of opportunity is, monthwise, for the SPAYVAC™ to be effective that season.

The above topics will be addressed by capturing female deer by using either drop nets or drive nets. The deer are then collard and ear tattooed with the matching number.

The deer are administered either the SPAYVAC™ or a placebo and weighed; the information is recorded and the deer are set free. The deer are then monitored using radiotelemetry and by completing a survey by driving on pre-determined roads.

Cooperative funding provided by Texas A&M University, National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA) and the JSC Safety Action Team Committee (JSAT).