Habitat Use Of A Fragmented Landscape By Females In A Small Population Of Desert Mule Deer

摘要

We examined use of vegetation associations by female desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus eremicus) and proximity to human developments to determine whether human activity and developments influenced habitat use. We hypothesized that use of habitats in disturbed areas would be reduced with increasing human activity. We radiocollared 14 deer and monitored their distribution from March 1996 to March 1997. Female desert mule deer generally used the mesquite-burroweed (Prosopis velutina-Isocoma tenuisecta) vegetation association more than it was available and the palo verde (Cercidium)-mixed cacti association less than it was available. Female deer were generally closer to housing, roads, permanent water, and the Central Arizona Project than random points. Our prediction that desert mule deer would avoid human activity was not supported.