Spatial and Temporal Relationships Between Roe and Red Deer in an Alpine Area

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Wildlife Conservation
• Mammalogy

Background:

• Interspecific interactions shape population dynamics and species distribution.
• Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) are widespread European ungulates with overlapping spatial and dietary niches.
• Limited research exists on their interactions, particularly in mountainous regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate spatial and temporal interactions between roe deer and red deer.
• To analyze how red deer abundance influences roe deer presence and activity patterns.
• To understand coexistence strategies in the Stelvio National Park.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 5 years of camera trapping data (2019-2023) from 50 cameras across 10,000 ha.
• Analyzed 2060 roe deer and 9030 red deer detections during summer months (July-September).
• Applied occupancy modeling for spatial interactions and compared diel activity patterns for temporal interactions.

Main Results:

• Red deer abundance did not significantly affect roe deer occupancy probability.
• Roe deer presence was higher in forests, lower elevations, and gentler slopes.
• Diel activity patterns showed moderate to high overlap, indicating temporal partitioning but not avoidance.

Conclusions:

• Roe deer and red deer exhibit significant spatial and temporal overlap in the Italian Alps.
• Coexistence appears facilitated by habitat preferences and area-specific ecological conditions.
• No evidence suggests roe deer actively avoid red deer in this mountainous environment.