Winter habitat use by red and roe deer in pine-dominated forest

Abstract

Although pines ( Pinus spp.) represent the main tree genus in Europe, most studies of habitat use by European deer ( Cervidae) have been conducted in spruce-dominated forests. This neglects the fact that the two forest types are quite different. Ground vegetation is much more abundant in pine stands, especially when they are mature. In this study, red and roe deer pellet groups were counted in approximately 12,500 ha of pine forests during the early spring over 4 years. Combinations of food and cover determined habitat attractiveness. Those habitat types which offered both food and cover were used most intensely. The role of forage was important only where cover was sufficient, suggesting that cover plays a primary role in influencing winter habitat use by deer. Habitat use by red and roe deer was similar both among habitats and within them, but the smaller species, roe deer seemed able to satisfy their cover requirements more easily than the larger red deer. No evidence of interspecific influence of red on roe deer (as suggested by Latham et al., 1997) was found in this study. As predicted, mature pine stands were an attractive habitat for deer. It was concluded that, in hunted deer populations, the presence of cover is important even in areas lacking large predators. Introduction of forest understories into mature pine forests should thus be promoted in big game management.