QUANTITATIVE-ANALYSIS OF TERRAIN RUGGEDNESS IN REINDEER WINTER GROUNDS

We report a distinct terrain structure in high-use portions of reindee r (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) winter grounds for two regions within N orway. A new index of terrain ruggedness based on topographic maps was used for analyzing terrain structure within historic high- and low-us e portions of wintering areas. Terrain ruggedness was found to be sign ificantly higher in high-use areas. Indices of terrain ruggedness refl ecting fine-scale features (10-20 m) corresponded well with the availa bility of potential feeding sites (< 40 cm snow depth), while contour densities alone did not. Terrain structure should be considered an imp ortant habitat attribute for management planning on reindeer winter ha bitats. The index provides a simple method for quantifying differences in fine-scale ruggedness between habitats.