Food availability as a factor in habitat use by roe deer

Abstract

The influence of forest structure (food and cover availabilities) on habitat use by roe deer Capreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758) was studied comparing home ranges in a shrubowood (much food, low visibility bet- ween deer) and a coppice (low food, good visibility). There was no change in home range location during the year. Home ranges were greater in the shrubwood than in coppice and showed greater seasonal variations. Population density was higher in shrubwood. Roe deer showed a different strategy in an area with good trophic availabilities but crowded and in an area with poor trophic availabilities but less crowded.