Density-habitat relationships of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Finland

: Poutanen Jenni, Fuller Angela K., Pusenius Jyrki, Royle J. Andrew, Wikström Mikael, Brommer Jon E.

Publisher: WILEY

: 2023

: Ecology and Evolution

: ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION

: ECOL EVOL

: e9711

: 13

: 1

: 14

: 2045-7758

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9711

: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.9711

: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/178671105

In heterogeneous landscapes, resource selection constitutes a crucial link between landscape and population-level processes such as density. We conducted a non-invasive genetic study of white-tailed deer in southern Finland in 2016 and 2017 using fecal DNA samples to understand factors influencing white-tailed deer density and space use in late summer prior to the hunting season. We estimated deer density as a function of landcover types using a spatial capture-recapture (SCR) model with individual identities established using microsatellite markers. The study revealed second-order habitat selection with highest deer densities in fields and mixed forest, and third-order habitat selection (detection probability) for transitional woodlands (clear-cuts) and closeness to fields. Including landscape heterogeneity improved model fit and increased inferred total density compared with models assuming a homogenous landscape. Our findings underline the importance of including habitat covariates when estimating density and exemplifies that resource selection can be studied using non-invasive methods.

Ecology and Evolution - 2023 - Poutanen - Density‐habitat relationships of white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus in.pdf