ECOTONES AS A MEASURE OF DEER HABITAT QUALITY IN CENTRAL ONTARIO

摘要: SUMMARY The importance of ecotonal or edge environments to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was assessed by pellet group counts. and non-edge habitats were characterized using cluster analysis. latter relatively homogeneous units dominated Acer saccharum in the upland sites Abies balsamea lowland areas. Edge areas had significantly more vegetative species. Deer densities highest at two close a traditional wintering area counts higher for v. samples these sites. data suggest that habitat can be evaluated quantifiable measure as variable. use may pronounced with densities. scale resolution quality based on probably should 10 km2 grid opposed 1 used this study.