Spatial and temporal habitat use and selection by red deer: The use of direct and indirect methods

摘要: Given the importance of red deer Cervus elaphus for hunting and conservation purposes, understanding interactions between this species its habitats in Mediterranean region is a crucial step sustainable management species. Aiming to compare pellet group counts direct observations methods study habitat use selection by deer, results obtained both were compared, their advantages disadvantages discussed. To understand temporal patterns selection, survey was conducted at three different seasons, birth period, rut season winter. The studied relation land cover, watercourse, roads, ecotone zones other topographic features (altitude, slope aspect), using generalized linear models ratios. similarity provided indicate that may constitute useful tools deer. Globally, seemed select provide simultaneously food some as shown preference shrublands, independently sampling season. positive embodies need open spaces. Males females showed similar shrubland, but selected patches with characteristics therein. spatial exhibited our suggest balance requirements respect each phase reproductive cycle. Pellet seem be analyze helpful knowledge