Long-term density-dependent changes in habitat selection in red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Wildlife Management
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Habitat selection is crucial for understanding population dynamics and biodiversity.
• Increased population density often leads to resource competition and shifts in habitat use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how red deer habitat selection changes with population density.
• To assess the influence of weather on red deer habitat preferences.

Main Methods:

• Utilized extensive spatial data from Scottish red deer winter counts (1961-2004).
• Analyzed over 1.2 million deer observations across 110 Scottish areas.
• Correlated habitat selection with population density and temperature variations.

Main Results:

• Red deer habitat niche breadth significantly widened with increasing population density.
• Heather moorland was the most preferred habitat, while montane habitats were least preferred.
• Increasing density led to greater grassland use at the expense of heather moorland; temperature influenced selection of montane and peatland habitats.

Conclusions:

• Population density is a key driver of red deer habitat selection shifts.
• Climate variables like temperature also significantly affect habitat use patterns.
• Findings are vital for predicting impacts of large herbivore herbivory and climate change on habitats.