Red deer range and problems of carrying capacity in the Scottish Highlands

Some general principles underlying the concept of carrying capacity and problems in using the term are illustrated by reference to herbivore/vegetation inter-relationships in intensive pasture systems, regimes of range management and wildlife systems. The approach to management of the deer/range system in Scotland does not fit into any of these categories of land use. Ecological deficiencies arise because deer, rather than the soils and vegetation, are regarded as the resource. Hence, management of the range is animal orientated. It is based on techniques such as burning which give temporary benefits to the animal component of the system. It is argued that this inversion of priorities in management has the long-term effect of encouraging vegetational successions that aggravate problems of animal management, especially on the poorer soils. The characteristics of the deer and the vegetation, and trends of change are considered in this context. It is concluded that within the present framework of management there is little scope for radical improvement. A restructuring of the system is required to give greater control over the biological performance of the deer and of the trends in the vegetation.