Space use, habitat selection and browsing effects of red deer in Sardinia

摘要: Sound ecological data are important for the conservation of endangered Sardinian red deer, but mainly anecdotal information is available. Deer density in Mt. Arcosu WWF Reserve was 25–26 deer/100 ha. We radiotracked 8 hinds and 2 stags. Mean annual home range size 36.5 ha (hinds) 65.9 ha (stags). On rut, adult females increased their ranges by 25% subadult 80%. At birthing, female reached a minimum. Small our deer were probably related to mild climate dense evergreen vegetation, providing food cover. Hinds always moved more than Site fidelity shown areas rich cover, except on rut. In days with tourists, mean significantly selected wooded areas, whereas they preferred open terrain without tourists. A stronger response disturbance occurred during rut winter, when less habituated Maximum habitat selection spring an...