COLUMBIAN WHITE-TAILED DEER Odocoileus virginianus leucurus (Douglas) 



Order: ARTIODACTYLA Family: CERVIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A medium-size, white-tailed deer with small, erect 

 antlers and long tail. 



Present distribution : Remnant populations in Columbia River lowlands and on islands 

 near Skamokawa, Washington, and Clatskanie, Oregon. A few left near Roseburg, Oregon; 

 believed to be genetically impure from inbreeding with the black-tailed deer . 



Former distribution : All lower Columbia, Willamette, and Cowlitz River bottoms. 

 Status : Seriously depleted. 



Estimated numbers : About 100 in Oregon along the Columbia River; about 150-200 in 

 Washington in 1971. 



Breeding rate in the wild : Normal white-tail production . 



Reasons for decline : Loss of habitat. Bottom lands being cleared for intensified 

 agriculture and industry. 



Protective measures already taken : Areas in which Columbian white-tailed deer occur, 

 along Columbia River, closed to deer hunting in 1970-71 by States of Washington and 

 Oregon. National Wildlife Refuge established in 1972 in key habitat along Columbian River 

 for the purpose of preserving and restoring habitat. 



Measures proposed : Complete acquisition of lands for the National Wildlife Refuge described 

 above. Determine if reintroduction of the deer to selected formerly occupied habitats 

 is feasible, and if so proceed with it. 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Possible . 



Remarks : The Columbian white-tailed deer has been isolated from other races of white- 

 tailed deer by both its geographical range and special habitat adaptions . It is now 

 jeopardized by habitat destruction. Its future is in jeopardy throughout its limited range. 



References : 



Cowan, I. 1936. Distribution and variation in deer of the Pacific Coastal Region 



of North America . Calif. Fish and Game, Vol. 22, No. 3. 

 Scheffer, V. B. 1940. A newly located herd of Pacific white-tailed deer. Jour. 



Mamm. , Vol. 21, No. 3. 

 See Lewis and Clark's Journals for early distribution of this deer. 



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