Influence of fawning on the spatial behaviour and habitat selection of female fallow deer ( Dama dama ) during late pregnancy and early lactation

摘要: Home-range sizes and habitat selection among calving non-calving female fallow deer Dama dama were analysed during the last months of pregnancy following parturition. The study was carried out in central Italy using radio-tracking techniques. It based on data collected 23 adult females (calving n=15, n=8) from March 2003 to August 2003. Seasonal bimonthly home-range analyses showed marked differential spatial behaviour between only when fawns present. These born June, summer July–August home ranges significantly lower than those recorded for ones. Although differences use became significant after birth fawns, choices different late pregnancy, had already reached parturition sites. Therefore, whereas March–April similar choices, May, proved be two classes females. In particular, major detected marshes meadows. That adopt anti-predator tactics season shown by their higher marshes, that offers greatest cover provides good concealment fawns. Calving avoided meadows, because these are open areas without any fawns; however they selected as a function high productivity, analysis grass quality site. sub-optimal habitats presence confirmed findings previous studies. ungulate mothers may move poorer but safer habitats, compromising energy intakes, reduce predation risk neonates.