Use of winter habitat by roe deer at a northern latitude where Eurasian lynx are present

摘要: Winter climate at northern latitudes is a challenge to small-bodied ungulates, and they modify behaviour save energy increase the likelihood of survival. Also, ongoing expansion large carnivores in several European countries can lead recovery (potentially energetically costly) anti-predator behaviours. In an area recently recolonized by Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx, we snow-tracked radio-collared roe deer Capreolus capreolus order investigate their bedding feeding during winter, assess how environmental factors affect habitat use. We also tested prediction that use more open sites than locally available areas with stalking predator such as lynx. Our results showed both bed foraging had cover, compared random sites. Most variation canopy cover distance between was explained prevailing weather. As winter progressed, presumed depletion fat reserves promoted night, less day decrease beds, human activities. Males used artificial often bedded further from humans females. The data fit hypothesis tighter budgets for family groups (females fawns) or males are cautious towards humans. There no support reduce vulnerability predation. Owing severe conditions danger starvation, seem be forced accept high risk when predators present, not changing main pattern comparative where absent.