An optimal habitat model for the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in central Veracruz, Mexico
2012
Bolívar-Cimé, B. | Gallina, S.
Modelling wildlife habitat availability for animal species has important implications for explaining the distribution of the animals in the wild, their effective management and conservation. In this study we evaluated an Optimal Habitat Model based on the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in central Veracruz, Mexico. We generated a GIS-based model from the main habitat requirements that influence the presence of white-tailed deer. Six variables were used for modelling the optimal habitat. With these data layers we calculated the HSI for deer in the study area. Two strip transects (500 by 2 m) were set up at 18 sites where all signs of white-tailed deer were recorded. The HSI for the study area ranged from –0.667 to 0.905, with the lowest values associated with poor habitat quality. Eighty-six percent of the study area’s surface was habitat of intermediate and low quality. Seventy percent of the deer signs were found in intermediate habitat quality. White-tailed deer frequently used oak forest, tropical deciduous forest and pastures. A Classification Tree Analysis indicated that temperature and aspect were the main habitat features influencing white-tailed deer presence. Although anthropogenic pressure in the region is high, forest patches help maintain some suitable habitat for small populations of this species. Conservation and restoration of the vegetation cover is recommended to promote the recovery of deer populations in central Veracruz, Mexico.
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