MAYA is a prototype computerized population dynamics model designed to enhance decision making in wildlife management. Initially, the basis of scientific and philosophical design and implementation of enhanced computer modeling are discussed. This discussion forms the foundation for the development of the actual model. The model is a general population model, utilizing previously known data on seasonally migratory mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) as both an example and a test of the model's capabilities. By combining detailed sub-models at the single species level, the behavior of a larger system is mimicked. The mathematical parameters of this system are restricted to those which correspond to known biological processes. Feedback control is utilized to regulate the dynamic interplay of processes related to specific recognizable structures or physiological functions. The model maintains the identity of the individual organism as the mediator of all transactions within the system. The primary focus of these transactions is energy; specifically consumer energy budgets and their mechanisms of regulation. Equations are presented in finite difference form for digital computer implementation, utilizing a time step of unit length. The result is a Fortran program, MAYA, and a description and discussion of a number of simulation trials. This model was created with an eye not only for computer simulation, but also to raise issues, both philosophic and scientific, as to the reason for, and purpose of, computer management in our society. Thus, it is not until Chapter 4 that an actual discussion of MAYA is to be found. Logic dictates that one should understand the philosophic and theoretic approach of the person creating a model to best understand, question and, hopefully, improve upon the final product. These issues are discussed in Chapters 1 and 2. The greatest value of this model is to provide, based on the ensuing sets of assumptions in Chapter 3, the logical consequences that would otherwise take a great deal of tedious arithmetic--it is a tool to assist the imagination.

Columbian black-tailed deer (Qdocoileus hemionug cplumbianus Richardson) were radio-tagged in a deep snowfall region on northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. These deer were monitored to determine seasonal movements and habitat use. Deer exhibited either resident or migratory movement patterns. Resident deer made seasonal shifts in their home range centres but their seasonal home ranges overlapped. In migratory deer, summer home ranges were separated from both spring and winter home ranges, although their spring and winter home ranges overlapped. Altitudinal migrations occurred by deer moving between high and low elevation habitats. Horizontal migrations occurred by deer moving between a small tributary valley and the main valley. Seasonal movements of black-tailed deer result from habitat selection by deer seasonally moving to more favourable habitats as determined by more available energy and nutrients, and lower risk of predation. The causal differences between vertical and horizontal migrations as well as seasonal shifts in home range centres can be resolved by a model of habitat selection based on these factors. The densities of available digestible dry matter in Amabilis Fir - Twisted Stalk, and Mountain Hemlock - Copperbush associations are comparable with those in the shrub and conifer serai stages. This abundance of deer food in high elevation habitats suggests that forest harvesting in high elevations will not affect deer populations, if their other habitat requirements are met. In areas where forested summer ranges already exist, low elevation logging of Sword Fern - Western Red Cedar, Deer Fern - Western Hemlock, and Western Hemlock - Plagiothecium associations will provide deer with sources of abundant food closer to their winter ranges than the high elevation summer ranges. Use of these food sources may result in only a redistribution and not an increase in the deer population. Logging of Amabilis Fir - Western Hemlock, Salal - Douglas-fir, and Salal - Western Hemlock associations may be detrimental to deer populations because of their need for these habitats during winter. Management policies emphasizing preservation of severe winter range could be detrimental to deer populations. Habitat management for black-tailed deer must include provision of mild winter range as well as severe winter range. Because mild winter range provides deer with greater amounts of available energy and nutrients, it may be as important to the over-winter survival of deer as is severe winter range. The mobility of black-tailed deer and their sensitivity to snow suggest that few deer would be trapped in high elevations by early snowfalls. Corridors joining high and low elevations appear unnecessary to facilitate deer migrations. / Forestry, Faculty of / Graduate