Roe Deer Habitat Research Articles

Forage, forest structure or landscape: What drives roe deer habitat use in a fragmented multiple-use forest ecosystem?

Browsing damages to young trees can have lasting impacts on forest structure. Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), the most common and widespread large herbivore in central Europe, create a vast majority of this damage. To lessen the impact, it is important to understand the relationship between roe deer and the landscape matrix, and which factors such as food availability and cover will drive the use of habitat by roe deer. In this study, we explored how small scale-food availability (5 × 5 m2), forest structure (100 × 100 m2) and landscape heterogeneity (500 m radius) influenced the use of habitat by roe deer in an intensively managed temperate mountainous mixed forest with implemented retention forestry practices. Using camera-trap detections of roe deer from 130 study plots in the southern Black Forest, monitored for 2.5 years, we found that local forest structure had the strongest influence on roe deer habitat use. Contrary to our expectations, landscape features, such as edge density between forest and non-forest, did not affect roe deer detections, probably because overall anthropogenic pressure is high and homogenous throughout our study system. Small-scale food availability also had little influence, which is likely due to widespread availability throughout the study area. Roe deer were also detected less where there were higher amounts of lying deadwood in autumn, indicating that retention forestry methods may have a negative impact on roe deer habitat use. Since forest structure was the strongest driver of roe deer habitat use, this study supports earlier claims that forests may be managed by affecting roe deer habitat use, thereby browsing damage intensity, through manipulation of food availability and cover.

АНАЛИЗ ЧИСЛЕННОСТИ КОСУЛИ СИБИРСКОЙ (CAPREOLUS PYGARGUS PALLAS, 1771) НА ТЕРРИТОРИИ САРАТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The number of Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus P., 1771) in the Saratov region in the 60-70 years of the last century was several dozen individuals, in 2019 the number was more than 15 thousand individuals. The area characteristic of the Siberian roe deer habitat in the Saratov region is 1,543.18 thousand hectares (15.5% of the total area of the region's hunting grounds). The dominant habitat categories for this species are: "Farmland" – 39.9%, "Forests" – 39.8%, "Young trees and shrubs" – 10.8%, "Floodplain complexes" – 6.4%. The state of the population was assessed according to the following indicators: the dynamics of the number, the density of individuals per unit area characteristic of the habitat of the species, and the ratio of the economically expedient number of the species to the actual one. Growth has been noted in the long-term dynamics of the number. The population growth over the last decade has averaged 17.2%. On 4.1% of the habitat area peculiar to the species, the density of individuals (per unit area) was more than 20 individuals per 1 thousand. ha; by 42.7%, the density was from 10 to 20 individuals per 1 thousand. ha; on 53.2% of the area peculiar to the species, the density was below 10 individuals per 1 thousand hectares. In general, the density of roe deer in the region is 10.3 individuals per thousand hectares of the area suitable for the habitat of the species. For Right–bank areas, these indicators are 12.0, for Left-bank areas - 6.6 individuals per thousand hectares. The percentage ratio of the actual and economically feasible population in only one administrative district of the region (Balakovsky) is close to 100%. This is 2.5% of the total habitat area peculiar to the species. On 13.8% of the habitat area, this indicator ranged from 55 to 86%. In most of the area (83.7%) typical for the habitat of the species, the number does not reach 50% of the economically feasible. In the whole region, the percentage ratio of the actual and economically feasible number for 2019 was 35.7% (the actual number of roe deer is 15,757 individuals, economically feasible – 44,193 individuals). The deficit in economically expedient numbers (the difference between economically expedient and actual) is 28,436 individuals.

Identifying and evaluating the ecological network of Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) in Tieli Forestry Bureau, northeast China

Habitat loss and fragmentation are serious threats to biodiversity worldwide. In order to promote animal movement and gene flow between habitat islands, it is important to identify and evaluate the ecological network of species. In Tieli Forestry Bureau (TFB) in Northeast China, we simulated and evaluated the ecological network of roe deer, aiming to provide theoretical support to population conservation. By using three sources of roe deer occurrence data and 15 environmental variables, we simulated the suitability of habitats using the Maximum Entropy Model (MaxEnt). Then, the corridor design model Linkage Mapper was used to identify and evaluate the linkages between habitat cores which are defined by the home range size of roe deer. The results showed that, of the terrain, land cover, vegetation, and anthropogenic interference factors, the anthropogenic interference factors played the most important and complex role in roe deer habitat selection, creating large-area suitable habitats by farming. Two innovative variables of farmland-forest edge length/patch perimeter (FFE:PP) and viewshed introduced in simulation contributed 8.5% and 2.3%, respectively. Surrounded by the unsuitable habitats, the suitable habitats mainly distributed along both sides of the river, covering 41.8% of the total area of TFB. The ecological network of roe deer was composed of 11 habitat cores and 17 linkages. Three linkages connecting the key habitat cores had low quality and linkage suitability ratios, which were probably due to barrier effect of the HeHa expressway intersecting with the linkages. Our study suggests the priority areas for protecting roe deer and the key locations where the wildlife road-crossing structures or animal guidance measures are needed.

«Көлсай көлдері» ұлттық табиғи паркіндегі еліктің қазіргі жағдайы, қоныс аударуы

The article presents the results of a one-time registration of roe deer conducted from 2011 to 2020. The census began in 2011 together with the staff of the Institute of Zoology on 13 routes. Census of roe deer was carried out by methods of census of the main hunting and commercial and rare species of animals in Kazakhstan. The counts were carried out in spring and autumn. This article presents the results of the 13 routes by sex, age, abundance and habitat of roe deer in 2020. In general, the number of roe deer in the Kolsai Lakes National Natural Park is currently 350-500 individuals. According to park inspectors, such fluctuations in the number of roe deer are associated with unfavorable weather conditions and heavy snowfall in some years, the migration of deer outside the national park, as well as the presence of wolves, etc. An increase in the number of predators also affects. This figure can be seen from the results of the roe deer survey in 2011-2020.

Impacts of Changing Forest Management Areas on Forest Landscapes and Habitat Patterns in Northeastern China

The management of multi-use forests often drives forest fragmentation, which leads to decreased habitat areas and quality. We explored suitable habitat distributions of cervids to evaluate the conflict between small-scale human management and large-scale habitat conservation in human-disturbed forest landscapes. We estimated the potential habitat of roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) and determined the contribution of multiple environmental factors to habitat distribution using the presence of roe deer (N = 106) in a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. We simulated changes in the suitable habitat and characteristics of landscape patterns based on three forest management area scenarios. The results showed that the potential suitable habitat for roe deer was located mainly in the east. The variables affecting habitat suitability were similar in different scenarios, and included distance to farmland, settlements, rivers and management areas, and elevation. Distance to the management area was found to affect habitat suitability with a contribution probability from 4% to 6%. With an increase in the management area, the suitable habitat decreased. Landscape indexes showed that habitat quality decreased with management area expansion, but patch fragmentation was not aggravated. The expansion of the management area increased the range of human disturbance and had a negative impact on habitat area and quality, which adversely affected the environmental suitability for roe deer.

Temporal variation in habitat selection breaks the catch‐22 of spatially contrasting predation risk from multiple predators

Predator avoidance depends on prey being able to discern how risk varies in space and time, but this is made considerably more complicated if risk is simultaneously present from multiple predators. This is the situation for an increasing number of mammalian prey species, as large carnivores recover or are reintroduced in ecosystems on several continents. Roe deer Capreolus capreolus in southern Norway illustrate a case in which prey face two predators with contrasting patterns of predation risk. They face a catch‐22 situation: spatially avoiding the risk from one predator (lynx Lynx lynx in dense habitat) implies exposure to the other (hunters in open habitat). Using GPS‐data from 29 roe deer, we tested for daily and seasonal variation in roe deer selection for habitat with respect to the habitats’ year‐round average risk level. Generally, roe deer altered their habitat selection between night and day in a pattern consistent with being able to avoid predicted risk from the nocturnal lynx during night and predicted risk from human hunters during day. However, seasonal variation in habitat selection only partially corresponded with the predicted seasonal variation in risk. Whereas roe deer avoided areas with high risk from hunters more strongly during the hunting season than in other seasons, there was a lack of selection towards areas and time periods lowering the risk of lynx predation during winter. It seems likely that the risk of starvation and thermal stress constrain roe deer habitat selection during this energetically challenging season with cold temperatures, snow cover and limited natural forage. The habitat selection pattern of roe deer fits thus only partly with the two contrasting risk gradients they face. Adjusting risk‐avoidance behavior temporally can be an adaptive response in the case of several predators whose predation patterns differ in space and time.

Roe deer summer habitat selection at multiple spatio-temporal scales in an Alpine environment

Habitat selection is a hierarchical process that may involve dierent patterns depending on the spatial and temporal scales of investigation. We studied habitat selection by European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in a very diverse environment in the Italian eastern Alps, during summer. We sampled both coarse-grained habitat variables (topographic variables, habitat types and cover) and fine-grained habitat variables (forage components of habitat) in used and available locations along the movement trajectories of 14 adult roe deer equipped with GPS telemetry collars. We used conventional logistic regression to assess roe deer habitat selection at the seasonal home range scale,andconditionallogisticregressiontotakeintoaccountthetemporalaspectofhabitatselection on a weekly basis. Our results indicate that topographic variables were not significant predictors for summer roe deer habitat selection. Roe deer strongly selected dense canopy cover, probably to avoid heat stress during warm summer days. In accordance with previous observations, roe deer preferred young forest stands dominated by pioneer species such as ash (Fraxinus spp.) and hazel (Corylus avellana) over climax environments. Roe deer positively selected shrubs (in particular Fraxinus spp., Erica herbacea, Rhododendron spp. and Vaccinium spp.) throughout the study period, whereas selection for grasses and sedges emerged only at the weekly scale. Habitat selection was clearly related to vegetation phenology, since roe deer selected plants in the most nutritive phenological stages, i.e., shrubs with buds, new leaves and fruits, and newly emergent grasses and sedges. Finally, we found stronger and more significant regression coecients for forage components of habitat and habitat types at the weekly scale, indicating that matching spatial and temporal scales may improve our understanding of ecological patterns driving habitat selection. Conversely, selection patterns for canopy cover did not change across scales, indicating that this variable likely drives habitat selection in a similar way throughout the entire season.

A First Attempt at Modelling Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Distributions Over Europe

The presence of roe deer can be an important component within ecological and epidemiological systems contributing to the risk and spread of a range of vector-borne diseases. Deer are important hosts for many vectors, and may therefore serve as a focal point or attractant for vectors or may themselves act as a reservoir for vector-borne disease. Three spatial modelling techniques were used to generate an ensemble model describing the proportion of suitable roe deer habitat within recorded distributions for Europe as identified from diverse sources. The resulting model is therefore an index of presence, which may be useful in supporting the modelling of vector-borne disease across Europe.

Agricultural land in Vojvodina as roe deer habitat - hunting - tourism aspect.

This paper is aimed at the acquisition of scientifc data on the dynamics of development and actual status of roe deer populations on agricultural lands in Vojvodina (which occupy about 90% of its territory), and their utilisation for the advancement of hunting-tourism activities. The research is based on the following scientifc methods: feld research (monitoring and questionnaires), content analysis, measurement and evaluation of roe deer trophies, comparison and statistical method (descriptive statistics). The observed increasing trend in roe deer density and shooting in the feld hunting grounds in Vojvodina (excepting the period 1992-2000), proves that this big game species is adapted to habitats with dominant arable crops. Despite the attained results, which are at the level of the European average, the potentials of roe deer, as the important hunting-tourism resource of Vojvodina, have not yet been suffciently exploited, therefore an additional improvement of hunting management and hunting-tourism marketing is still required.

Landscape composition influences roe deer habitat selection at both home range and landscape scales

Understanding how patterns of habitat selection vary in relation to landscape structure is essential to predict ecological responses of species to global change and inform management. We investigated behavioural plasticity in habitat selection of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in relation to variable habitat availability across a heterogeneous agricultural landscape at the home range and landscape scales. As expected, woodland was heavily selected, but we found no functional response for this habitat, i.e. no shift in habitat selection with changing habitat availability, possibly due to the presence of hedgerows which were increasingly selected as woodlands were less abundant. Hedgerows may thus function as a substitutable habitat for woodlands by providing roe deer with similar resources. We observed a functional response in the use of hedgerows, implying some degree of landscape complementation between hedgerows and open habitats, which may in part compensate for lower woodland availability. We also expected selection for woodland to be highest at the wider spatial scale, especially when this habitat was limiting. However, our results did not support this hypothesis, but rather indicated a marked influence of habitat composition, as both the availability and distribution of resources conditioned habitat selection. There was no marked between-sex difference in the pattern of habitat selection at either scale or between seasons at the landscape scale, however, within the home range, selection did differ between seasons. We conclude that landscape structure has a marked impact on roe deer habitat selection in agricultural landscapes through processes such as landscape complementation and supplementation.

Analysis of the main parameters of spring and summer food compound of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) on the two hunting grounds of the Alföld plain

It is widespread that roe deer are very choosy. It needs this sorting because the micro organisms, which help the digestion of high fibre plants, are missing in its stomach that is why they are mostly called „concentrate selectors” (Hoffmann, 1985, 1988, 1989).These animals should mostly eat easily digestible plants with high nutrition level (pulses, buds, sprouts and flowers), and they are able to do this sorting because of their small mouth size. In winter there is a lack of these plants, so the high selectivity occurs only when the feed is in abundance.Examining the amount and quality of vegetation available on the habitat of roe deer we can identify the species which can satisfy their feed demand. It is known, that roe deer as other large ruminants, from the plant abundance prefer certain plants and plant parts while there are others which are avoided. The identification of the eaten species and the rate of their occurrence in the feed is the first step to become acquainted with theinteraction between animal and the surroundings.

Examination of the main parameters of roe deer feed compound on two territories

It is widespread that roe deer are very choosy. He needs this sorting because the micro organizms, which help the digestion of high fibre plants, are missing in his stomack, that is why they are mostly called „concentrate selectors” Hoffmann, 1985, 1988, 1989).These animals should mostly eat easily digestable plants with high nutrition level (pulses, buds, sprouts and flowers), and they are able to do this sorting because of their small mouth size. In winter there is a lack of these plants, so the high selectivity occurs only when the feed is in abundance.Examining the amount and quality of vegetation available on the habitat of roe deer we can identify the species which can satisfy their feed demand. It is known, that roe deer as other large ruminants, from the plant abundance prefer certain plants and plant parts while there are others which are avoided. The identification of the eaten species and the rate of their occurance in the feed is the first step to become acquainted with the interaction between animal and the surroundings.

Roe-deer habitat suitability and predisposition of forest to browsing damage in its dependence on forest growth—Model sensitivity in an alpine forest region

A habitat suitability model for roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus) including indices of forest predisposition to browsing damage was tested in an alpine forest region dominated by spruce ( Picea abies). A description of the habitat model is presented. Eleven input parameters were weighted and aggregated to the habitat indices hiding cover, thermal cover, lounge index and food supply. These indices are basis for the overall habitat quality and predisposition to browsing damage scores. The sensitivity of the model to the input parameters total ground vegetation, ground vegetation without grass, woody ground vegetation, share of forest regeneration, total crown projection, crown projection of deciduous trees, wildlife ecological stand type, edge density, mesorelief, altitude, and aspect was tested. The model was most sensitive to the parameters (i) abundance of total ground vegetation without grass, (ii) abundance of woody ground vegetation, (iii) wildlife ecological stand type, and (iv) mesorelief. Total abundance of ground vegetation and aspect affected sensitivity least. A trade-off index for habitat quality versus predisposition to browsing damage showed most sensitivity to food supply and least to edge effect. The habitat model is linked with a forest growth model and therefore allows long-term predictions of habitat and browsing predisposition changes in dependence on different silvicultural treatments. Consequences in terms of wildlife and forest management are discussed.

The examination of roe deer feeding on agricultural and woody habitats in winter

sorting because the micro organisms, which help the digestion of high fibre plants, are missing in his stomack, that is why they are mostly called „concentrate selectors” (Hoffmann, 1985, 1988, 1989).These animals should mostly eat easily digestable plants with high nutrition level (pulses, buds, sprouts and flowers), and they are able to do this sorting because of their mouth size. In winter there is a lack of these plants, so the high selectivity occurs only when the feed is in abbundance.Examining the amount and quality of vegetation available on the habitat of roe deer we can identify the species which can satisfy their feed demand. It is known, that roe deer as other large ruminants, from the plant abundance prefer certain plants and plant parts while there are others which are avoided. The identification of the eaten species and the rate of their occurrence in the feed is the first step to become acquainted with the interaction between animal and the surroundings.On the examined territories there was significant difference between the disembowelled body masses. The does which come from the hunt Nagyszénás weighed 4-5 kilos more than the does from the Csongrád territory. The main feed components were present in different rate in the samples of the territories, in the Nagyszénás samples grain, dicotyledonous herbacous plants were dominant, and were eaten more. The high level of grain in the feed result in better condition and larger body mass.

Inferring the effects of landscape structure on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) movements using a step selection function

In this study, we sought to understand how landscape structure affects roe deer movements within their home-range in a heterogeneous and fragmented agricultural system of south-western France. We analysed the movements of 20 roe deer fitted with GPS collars which recorded their locations every 2-6 h over several months (mean = 9 months). Based on empirical observations and previous studies of roe deer habitat use, we hypothesised that roe deer should avoid buildings and roads, move preferentially along valley bottoms and through the more wooded areas of the landscape. To test these hypotheses we paired each observed movement step with 10 random ones. Using conditional logistic regression, we modelled a step selection function, which represents the probability of selecting a given step as a function of these landscape variables. The selected model indicated that movements were influenced by all the tested landscape features, but not always in the predicted direction: our results suggested that roe deer tend to avoid buildings, roads, valley bottoms and possibly the more wooded areas (although the latter result should be interpreted with caution, as it may be influenced by a bias in the rate of GPS fix acquisition in woods). The distances to buildings and to roads were the most influential variables in the model, suggesting that the avoidance of potential sources of disturbance may be a key factor in determining ranging behaviour of roe deer in human dominated landscapes.

Bayesian modelling procedures for the evaluation of changes in wildlife habitat suitability: a case study of roe deer in the Italian Alps

Summary Combining species protection with land management is a central concern for nature conservation but requires a collaborative, problem‐solving approach. Existing procedures do not guarantee the participation of stakeholders in the decision‐making process and, thus, do not necessarily support the development of acceptable management strategies. An analytical framework is required to assess the consequences of human land use for wildlife habitats, incorporating a quantitative structure for including stakeholder opinions. We provide such a framework. As an example, we used the procedure to evaluate the consequences of different building scenarios for the Turin 2006 Winter Olympic Games on potential roe deer Capreolus capreolus habitats. The analysis involved four steps: (i) three Bayesian models were developed to assess the suitability of six study areas for roe deer; (ii) the outcome of the models was converted into a habitat suitability index (HSI) for each study area; (iii) for each area, the building scenario chosen by the Olympic Games organizers was compared with alternative scenarios by means of HSI values; (iv) an HSI value was chosen as a benchmark to evaluate the ecological consequences of landscape changes. The building projects chosen by the Olympic Games organizers caused changes in HSI values in each study area, especially at one site. In three of the six study areas, the chosen projects minimized the loss of suitable roe deer habitat, while in the remaining areas the alternative building locations could have reduced the negative consequences of human activities. Synthesis and applications. A habitat suitablility index calculated with our procedure can be used to (i) compare different hypothetical land‐use scenarios and make decisions about the location of human infrastructures to minimize habitat loss; and (ii) assess the consequences of human activities in relation to an ecological benchmark. The Bayesian approach provides a way to involve local stakeholders in the decision‐making process, and thus is a useful tool for discussion of land‐use policies. Our procedure could be applied to rare and common species and to assessing the consequences of all human activities involving reductions in natural habitat.

Variation in diet, prey selectivity and home-range size of Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in Switzerland

To analyse the factors responsible for the interplay of Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx predation and home-range size, we reviewed patterns of lynx predation in Switzerland by comparing the prey spectrum of lynx in five studies performed in the following study areas: the northwestern Alps, where lynx were studied both in the 1980s and 1990s, the central Alps, the Jura Mountains, and northeastern Switzerland. We then compared home-range size of female lynx with two indirect measures of prey abundance, roe deer Capreolus capreolus and chamois Rupicapra rupicapra harvested per km2 and habitat suitability for roe deer and chamois as derived from a GIS model. Lynx diets were similar among sites. Roe deer and chamois made up 90% of prey items in all five studies. Comparing the proportion of roe deer and chamois in the diet with availability, Manly's preference indices indicated selective predation in all studies. Roe deer were preferred over chamois in all areas except in the Jura Mountains where relatively few chamois were present. Predation was least selective in northeastern Switzerland, where the initial phase of recolonisation by lynx was studied. Variation in prey availability is often identified as an important factor explaining intraspecific variation in home-range size. Due to differences in roe deer and chamois abundance from one study area to another, we expected female lynx home ranges to decrease with increasing prey abundance. The predictors for Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and Kernel home-range estimators differed. MCP home-range sizes were best explained by the interactions of study with the number of locations per lynx, roe deer harvested per km2, and good roe deer habitat, whereas Kernel home-range sizes were best explained by the interactions of study with good roe deer habitat, good chamois habitat, and the interaction of good roe deer and chamois habitat plus an additive effect of the study. Contrary to our expectations, there was no simple correlation of prime roe deer and chamois habitat nor between the number of roe deer and chamois harvested per km2 and the size of female lynx home ranges. The comparison of the five studies suggested that this expectation may only be valid if lynx populations are close to carrying capacity (e.g. the Jura Mountains and the northwestern Alps in the 1990s). For predictions of home-range size both habitat (spatial factor) and the status and dynamic of the predator/prey populations (temporal factor) need to be taken into account.

Modelling changes in roe deer habitat in response to forest management

We evaluated the change of roe deer habitat in response to three forest management scenarios: no harvest, clear-cut and single tree selection. For this purpose we simulated forest and understory vegetation in response to management for a 50-year period in an alpine forest region using the individual tree growth model PROGNAUS with an extension for understory vegetation. We also represented the spatial distribution of forest stands in a geographic information system. Habitat suitability and the forest's predisposition to browsing were then evaluated using models developed by Reimoser and Zandl [Reimoser, F., Zandl, J., 1993. Methodisches Grundkonzept für ein Expertensystem “Wildökologie und Waldverjüngung”, Anwendungsbeispiel FIW II-Fallstudie 1 (Schöneben/Oberösterreich). FIW Forschungsberichte 1993/4, Österreichische Gesellschaft für Waldökosystemforschung und experimentelle Baumforschung, 104 pp.]. These models aggregate eight habitat variables (canopy cover, canopy cover of evergreen trees, stand structural class, eight types of understory vegetation, density of forest margins, aspect, elevation and meso-relief) to four life requisites for roe deer: forage, cover from predators, shelter from adverse weather and daytime loafing area. These variables are then weighted and combined to form an overall habitat suitability and browsing predisposition score. Results of the simulation showed that for roe deer: quantity and quality of food supply were similar for all three scenarios. No harvest produced the best thermal cover. “Clear-cut management” resulted in the best hiding cover and high values for the living area index. For single tree selection thermal cover for roe deer was lowest. Clear-cutting was best for overall habitat quality. The ratio between forage and food independent settling stimulus was however disadvantageous in this management system. Clear-cut management therefore is attractive for roe deer, but facilitates over abundant roe deer populations which consequently cause damage to forests.

Evaluation of a vegetation simulator for roe deer habitat predictions

In this manuscript the prediction of the primary roe deer habitat variables canopy cover, stand structural classes, proportion of evergreen trees and understory vegetation cover (classified according to palatability for roe deer and vegetation height into barren ground, graminoids, Vaccinium spp., herbs, conifers, Rubus spp. ferns deciduous and shrubs) with the growth model PROGNAUS was evaluated for a 10-year period. Canopy cover was calculated as a function of crown radius with a correction for crown overlap and also estimated using multiple linear regression. Using these two methods observed canopy cover was underestimated by 14% and 2%, respectively. Coefficients of correlation between observed and predicted canopy cover were 0.47 and 0.51. Stand structural classes were predicted within 10% of the actual proportion and 68% of all sample plots were assigned to the correct structural class. The proportion of canopy cover of evergreen species was predicted within 1% and was highly correlated ( r = 0.6) to the basal area proportion of the evergreen trees. All understory vegetation classes were predicted within 5% of the actual proportion. 4 were correctly classified into five cover classes (0%, 1–25%, 25–50%, 50–75% and 75–100%) and the proportion of each of these covers classes for each vegetation type was well predicted. A visual comparison showed that observed and predicted spatial patterns were similar. Predictions of both forest growth and understory vegetation models are reasonably accurate for roe deer habitat predictions.

Connectivity, Corridors and Stepping Stones: Conservation Implications of Roe Deer Distribution on the Eastern Steppe

Information was collected on roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) distribution on the Eastern Steppe ofMongolia from 2000 to 2003. During this period, 65 roe deer were observed. Roe Deer were distributedthroughout the Eastern Steppe region, but all sightings occurred in or adjacent to small woodland patchesor riparian woodland. These woodland patches and riparian woodlands are likely to be critical roe deerhabitat on the otherwise open grasslands of eastern Mongolia. From a management perspective, roe deercan function as an ecological focal species for preservation of these habitats, and conservation of roedeer and their woodlands can conserve a suite of other species also dependent upon this habitat and thushelp conserve the biodiversity of Mongolia’s Eastern Steppe.