Space use, habitat selection and activity patterns of female Sardinian mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon) during the lambing season

摘要: We analysed space use, habitat selection and activity patterns in female mouflons using radio tracking during lambing. During the birth period, mothers increased their home ranges to reach places suitably covered by Mediterranean scrubland. lactation, used scrubland more than non-mothers. Mothers decreased use of meadows precisely when, according a grass quality index, productivity was highest; this likely due lack concealment for lambs that would, thus, be vulnerable eagle attacks. Accordingly, females are argued adopt anti-predator tactics trading high-quality foraging safer provides good lambs. Despite high temperatures recorded day lactating showed greater levels, need meet energetic demands lactation. This effort mouflon such poor environment as Sardinian accounted lower productive success other European populations.