Easterbee, N.

English

Habitat use by red deer was examined during winter in N. Scotland.
Observations showed that hinds and stags occupied separate areas,
but also used some ground communally. Site utilisation was influenced
by the type of vegetation and the availability of topographic
shelter. Calluna was used extensively for grazing and bedding.
Better quality grassland was heavily used; hinds exploited a greater
area of this type of vegetation than stags. The use of topography
was similar for both sexes; sites with a variety of aspects were used,
but open and exposed areas were usually avoided.

Rumen and faecal samples were examined to determine the diet;
they contained similar proportions of the same species. Faecal
analysis revealed similarities in'the diets of stags and hinds. The
results do not reflect any marked superiority in the food available
on the hind range, although female samples contained a greater proportion
of Fescues.

Chemical analyses of Calluna samples, as grazed by deer, did
not reveal selection to be related to nutrient or neutral detergent
fibre content. However grazing was mainly restricted to the current
year's growth, except when food became less available because of
snow and ice. The selection of Calluna in relation to muirburn is
discussed.

The behaviour of deer was recorded under a variety of weather
conditions. Strong winds promoted shelter seeking, but low tempera-
I Mres, alone, did not produce such a reaction. Strong winds together
with low temperatures had most influenpe on shelter seeking.
A theoretical model was developed Vaich estimates heat loss from
deer. Using the model, energy expenditure under contrasting levels
of activity and weather conditions wa s examined, and the importance
of shelter demonstrated. Observed differences in the behaviour of
stags and hinds are discussed in relation to energy exchange and
characteristics of the home range.

It is concluded that the distribution of red deer during-winter
is principally governed by micro-climate in relation to food supply.
Although vegetation had a strong influence on distribution, the
most significant factor overall is the availability of shelter

Easterbee, Nigel

Edinburgh Research Archive

Distribution and activity of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in relation to vegetation and topography

https://era.ed.ac.uk/bitstream/1842/7107/1/255156.pdf

Distribution and activity of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in relation to vegetation and topography

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