Factors influencing red deer occurrence at the southern edge of their range: A Mediterranean ecosystem

摘要: Abstract The red deer is in the Iberian Peninsula at southwestern edge of its European range and although widespread, ecology Portugal remains poorly understood. By using pellet group counts, we investigate how habitat structure, vegetation composition human disturbance affect occurrence. Red distribution was positively associated with areas high density heather, Leguminosae plants patches cover shrubs, ground tree cover. occupied further away from roads villages. negatively agricultural fields canopy In perspective current climatic changes, continue research on these so-called populations represents an opportunity to assess ecological responses within evolutionary provide important conservation suggestions for other countries located range. present results have implications deer, emphasizing need wide studies. variation seems be related local factors rather than proximity