Econ 332: Natural Resource Economics

By Mara Cassidy

Article link: http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/08/22/too-many-deer/

For our semester-long project, my group and I discussed looking at the overpopulation of deer in Pennsylvania and trying to see their effects on the environment (or if there are even any effects). The article I read to get some information on this issue was entitled “Too Many Deer: A Bigger Threat to Eastern Forests than Climate Change?” (2013).

The article outlined many of the problems that deer are causing for the environments that they live in. Our project would focus on Pennsylvania but damage is shown throughout the country by white tailed deer. There are both direct and indirect effects of their presence in these environments. Numbers show that over the last few decades there has been considerable deer overpopulation and now humans are at a loss for how to manage the population and prevent further damage to these environments.

This issue must be regulated at a state level. In looking at what Pennsylvania is doing, we could also research how other states are responding to the damage being done. Some people are hesitant, however, to start controlling or manipulating the deer population because they think since this is happening in nature, it must be “natural.” Many argue over the morality of killing deer to manage the population. It might be natural, but nonetheless deer are harming the environments that they live in–arguably according to some of the experts in the article more than climate change, forest fires, or lack of conservation. If this is the case, this issue must be addressed.

By Emma Jenkins

One of the topics my group is considering is the endangerment of the African lion (Panthera leo leo species).  In 2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the species as threatened.  In late December 2015, the African lion was officially listed as endangered and protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.  The Panthera leo leo species, which is native to western and central Africa, has experienced a serious population decline over the past couple of decades and it’s estimated that approximately 1,400 lions remain in the wild.  There’s a possibility that the species could be extinct by 2050 if it’s not managed sustainably.  An article on the Scientific American website identifies the three major problems that have caused endangerment: habitat loss, loss of prey, and human conflict (including hunting).

Protecting the African lion is important for multiple economic and environmental reasons. Economically, the lion has use value because it attracts tourists to the region (tourism also benefits the local economies). The lion is also valued simply for its existence.  For example, the species is one of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about Africa, and it has been a historically and culturally significant animal for thousands of years.  Since the lion is such an iconic animal, it’s safe to assume that humans want to preserve it so that future generations can enjoy it.  Environmentally, the lion is an important resource in the region because of its position at the top of the food chain.  These predators prevent other species, such as herbivores and smaller carnivores, from overpopulating.  The zebra population has increased as a result; this has diminished vegetation in certain regions and has negatively impacted local ecosystems.

If my group chooses this topic, we could focus on a particular country’s efforts (or lack thereof) to save the African lion.  We can also further examine the economic and environmental consequences of endangerment, and we can make policy recommendations that could improve the African lion population. I also referenced this article.