Habitat use patterns of sympatric deer species on Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado

Abstract

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (O. viginianus)have been studied extensively as individual species throughout theirrespective North American ranges. However, comparatively little isknown about interactions between these closely related species wherethey occur sympatrically. We studied spatial and habitat use patternsof sympatric mule deer and white-tailed deer at 3 hierarchical scaleson Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA), Colorado, USA using radiotelemetry.Similarities in annual spatial distribution analyses (coarse scale)and diet composition analyses (fine scale) suggested the 2 speciesmay have been competing for space and forage on RMA. However, seasonaldifferences in habitat use patterns resulted in spatial segregation,thereby allowing the 2 species to coexist. Mule deer used habitatsprimarily based on forage availability and secondarily for cover.White-tailed deer used habitats primarily based on availability ofsecurity cover. Habitat management and restoration efforts shouldconsider maintaining existing composition and juxtaposition of vegetationassociations that allow species to maintain seasonal allopatric distributionsand, subsequently, coexistence. Increased deer population levelsmay lead to increased interactions between species. [Journal ConferencePaper; 40 Refs; In English; Summary in English]