DIET SELECTION BY ROE DEER CAPREOLUS-CAPREOLUS IN KIELDER-FOREST IN RELATION TO PLANT COVER

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.