Chang,
K., D. L. Verbyla, and J. J. Yeo. 1995.
Spatial analysis of habitat selection by Sitka Black-Tailed
Deer in southeast Alaska, USA.
Environmental Management. 19:579-589.
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 conained higher percentages of recent
clear-cuts (50-69%) than the study area (37%; P<0.01) and had a higher
old-growth/clear-cut edge densities than expected by change (P<0.01).
Deer relocation poists were closer to old-growth/clear-cut edges (mean
= 135m) than random points located within each deer's relocation area (mean
= 168m, 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 to 30 years after logging in southeast
Alaska, deer managment plans such as preserving entire watersheds and maintaining
mixes of old growth and recent clear-cuts have been proposed. Our
data suggest that deer need a diversity of habitats neare each other within
their home ranges.
Email: D.Verbyla@uaf.edu
Last updated: August 2001