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A review of factors affecting deer dispersion and their relevance to management
Author(s) -
STAINES BRIAN W.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
mammal review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.574
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2907
pISSN - 0305-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2907.1974.tb00350.x
Subject(s) - habitat , range (aeronautics) , geography , ecology , disturbance (geology) , distribution (mathematics) , limiting , home range , biology , mechanical engineering , paleontology , engineering , composite material , mathematical analysis , materials science , mathematics
Factors affecting the dispersion of deer are reviewed, and their relevance to the management of British species. Most of the information is taken from studies of European Red and Roe deer, and also from North American species. Home range/territory size is discussed; individual home range sizes vary within species, and are largely associated with habitat structure and/or climate. It is suggested that traditional behaviour and social factors may be important in limiting home range size and deer distribution. The role of food, shelter and freedom from disturbance are reviewed in relation to deer dispersion and movements. It is suggested that deer will occupy areas with a good combination of all the major factors rather than the best of any one. Suggestions for research on British species, with a view to management, are put forward.