Direct Interaction Between Roe Deer and Mountain Hare, a Case of Interference Encounter Competition?
Simen Pedersen1, Synnøve Hervik1,2, Hans Christian Pedersen3
1Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Campus Evenstad University of Inland Norway Koppang Norway.
Ecology and Evolution
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Direct competition between roe deer and mountain hares was observed, challenging ecological assumptions. This rare interference competition highlights potential direct resource conflict between these herbivores.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Wildlife Science
Background:
- Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and mountain hares (Lepus timidus) often share food resources.
- Indirect exploitative competition is documented between these species.
- Roe deer exhibit aggressive behavior towards other deer species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a rare instance of direct interaction between a roe deer and a mountain hare.
- To investigate potential direct interference competition between these herbivores.
- To challenge traditional ecological understandings of interspecific competition.
Main Methods:
- Camera trap footage captured a direct interaction.
- Observation period lasted 2 minutes and 29 seconds.
- Analysis focused on the behavior of a roe deer doe and a mountain hare.
Main Results:
- A roe deer doe actively chased and displaced a mountain hare.
- The interaction involved circling behavior and lasted for over two minutes.
- This suggests a possible case of interference competition, not just curiosity.
Conclusions:
- Direct interference competition between roe deer and mountain hares is possible.
- This observation expands our understanding of herbivore interactions.
- Rare events can challenge established ecological theories.
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