Abstract

VILLARREAL-ESPINO-BARROS, Oscar A. et al. Radial distance from water sources, hiding cover and coyote (Canis latrans) signs associated with the presence of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Rev. Chapingo ser. cienc. for. ambient [online]. 2012, vol.18, n.2, pp.231-239. ISSN 2007-4018.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchscfa.2011.01.012.

The effect of radial distance from water sources (RDW) on plant volume, hiding cover (HC) and the presence of white-tailed deer was assessed. The study was conducted in the state of Puebla, Mexico. Stratified random sampling was used to select five areas with a RDW of less than 800 m, four between 800-1,600 m and four greater than 1,600 m. Plant volume was estimated in these areas and they were the starting point of transects in which HC and the number of white-tailed deer and coyote fecal pellet groups (PGs) were estimated. The number of white-tailed deer PGs increased as the RDW increased (Tukey; P < 0.05), while coyote PGs remained within the 800-m radius (X² = 0.004). The RDW did not affect HC (Tukey, P > 0.05). The relationship between RDW, HC and PGs was established using Poisson and polynomial regression. Poisson regression showed that RDW and HC significantly changed (X²; P < 0.0004 and P < 0.0001) the PG number. The polynomial equation showed that HC has a good correlation (R² = 0.72) with PGs.

Keywords : wildlife; cervids; habitat; plant density.

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