Spatial analysis of habitat selection by Sitka black-tailed deer in Southeast Alaska,USA |
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Authors: | Kang-Tsung Chang David L Verbyla Jeffrey J Yeo |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Geography, University of Idaho, 83843 Moscow, Idaho, USA;(2) Department of Forest Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 99775 Fairbanks, Alaska, USA;(3) Wilderness Research Center and Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho, 83843 Moscow, Idaho, USA |
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Abstract: | We used a vector-based geographic information system (GIS) to examine habitat selection by radiocollared Sitka black-tailed
deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) in logged forests of southeast Alaska. Our main objective was to explain deer habitat selection relative to old-growth/clear-cut
edges and edge habitats at two different spatial scales. Deer home ranges contained higher percentages of recent clear-cuts
(50–69%) than the study area (37%;P<0.01) and had higher old-growth/clear-cut edge densities than expected by chance (P<0.01). Deer relocation points were closer to old-growth/clear-cut edges (average=135 m) than random points located within
each deer's relocation area (average=168 m;P=0.05). Likewise, deer relocations were closer to old-growth/clear-cut edges than points randomly located within old-growth
stands or recent clear-cuts (P<0.01). As the size of clear-cuts increased, both deer relocation density and the proportion of a clear-cut occupied by deer
home ranges decreased. Because old growth is important deer habitat and clear-cuts can produce deer forage for only 20–30
years after logging in southeast Alaska, deer management plans such as preserving entire watersheds and maintaining mixes
of old growth and recent clear-cut have been proposed. Our data suggest that deer need a diversity of habitats near each other
within their home ranges. |
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Keywords: | Deer habitat GIS Edges Old-growth forests Logging Clear-cuts |
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