Abstract
Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (χ2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.
Highlights
Understanding the spatial distributions of wildlife species is a fundamental step in distinguishing the linkages between animals and their potential impacts on natural resources (McShea et al, 1997; Liu and Taylor, 2002)
Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta National Park is in the arid zone, where water is only available during the monsoon period
The results of the present study are broadly in agreement with those of a previous study (Hameed and Mian, 2009) who suggested that a major part of the preferred vegetation cover in the barking deer habitat was contributed by shrubs (30.3- 68.7%)
Summary
Understanding the spatial distributions of wildlife species is a fundamental step in distinguishing the linkages between animals and their potential impacts on natural resources (McShea et al, 1997; Liu and Taylor, 2002). Habitat requirements of ungulates are thought to be dependent on constraints imposed by body size and morphology (Geist, 1998). U. et al, a strongly arched back and lean hind limbs adapted to saltation. They are mostly solitary or paired and use stealth to avoid predators, often hiding in foothills, rocks, and dense undergrowth, avoiding open areas (Geist, 1998; Macdonald, 2001). The fact that mass-specific metabolic rates increase with decreasing body size, while digestive capacity is reduced, forces small ungulates to consume highly digestible, low-fiber foods such as fruits (Demment and van Soest, 1985; Prins et al, 2006). Along with the availability of cover to escape predators, can be considered as the main determinant of habitat use by ungulates (Sridhara et al, 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
