Cb. Dejong et al., DIET SELECTION BY ROE DEER CAPREOLUS-CAPREOLUS IN KIELDER-FOREST IN RELATION TO PLANT COVER, Forest ecology and management, 79(1-2), 1995, pp. 91-97
The diet of roe deer Capreolus capreolus in relation to the cover and
abundance of ground vegetation was investigated at two sites in Kielde
r Forest, Northumberland. Positive selection was found for heather Cal
luna vulgaris, other dicotyledons and evergreen ferns, which together
formed a large part of the diet. Coarse monocotyledons were avoided. S
itka spruce Picea sitchensis formed a significant part of the diet in
spring. Differences in the diet were apparent between the two sites, w
ith more Sitka spruce eaten and more browsing damage occurring on the
site with the poorer soil type. The management implications of these r
esults are discussed.