Social and spatial organization of female white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, during the fawning season

摘要: Abstract Abstract. From 1986 until 1988 social and spatial relationships of 11 parturient female white-tailed deer were monitored at the National Zoological Park's Conservation Research Center to determine their degree duration isolation from conspecifics. Social following parturition was indicated by decreased association with other females own previous offspring. Parturient also showed characteristic patterns spacing behaviour that resulted in complete segregation core home ranges. These areas encompassed nearly all bedding sites fawns during first 6 weeks conspecifics repulsed through overt aggression. The exclusive use, annual fidelity these postpartum ranges active repulsion intruders are territorial postpartum. Predation pressure risk misdirected imprinting may have had a combined effect on evolution this territoriality.