Black-tailed deer

The black-tailed deer, a subspecies of mule deer, is vital to the ecosystems along North America's Pacific coast. Their role as a keystone species supports biodiversity by influencing plant growth and serving as prey for predators like wolves and mountain lions. The legal case discussed highlights the tension between logging interests and wildlife conservation in Alaska's Tongass National Forest.

Key issues included:

In summary, the case is a cautionary tale about the consequences of using flawed data in natural resource management and the role of judicial review in enforcing ecological stewardship.