Cause-specific neonatal mortality of white-tailed deer in Wisconsin, USA

摘要: Species’ population dynamics are tied to neonatal survival. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawn survival varies according spatially explicit patterns of natural (e.g., starvation, predation) and human-caused mortalities vehicle collision). Our objective was compare under different, though representative, ecological conditions in Wisconsin USA. We identified 2 ecologically distinct study areas: the northern forest (NF) eastern farmland (EF). Beginning May (2011–2013), we fitted fawns both areas with radio-collars tracked their daily until 31 August capture year. obtained weather data for each area model effects on captured 89 (NF), 139 (EF) fawns, observed 42 43 mortalities. Predation mortality higher than other causes NF, due predation EF. Female had males, 2011 NF lower 2012 or 2013. During first 40 days life, occurrence precipitation associated a threefold increase hazard death EF, but low temperatures were trivial. In little effect, decrease temperature by 0.56°C increased 5%. Because risks facing vary context, understanding specific factors that affect is important predicting local outcomes white-tailed management. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.