Home range and activity patterns of pampas deer in Emas National Park, Brazil

Home range, movements, and activity patterns of pampas deer (Ozotoceros bez oarticus) were studied in Emas National Park, State of Goias, Brazil. Four pampas deer were located daily during 1 year by radio tracking. Additionall y, during 8 sampling periods, locations were determined every 30 min for 12 consecutive hours to determine activity patterns. Vegetation was sampled m onthly to detect for seasonal variation in food availability. Pampas deer w ere active during the day and night, and individual variation in activity p atterns was observed. Average home ranges of pampas deer were larger than t he average area used by other Odocoileinae. Home ranges were similar in siz e in the dry (April-September) and wet (October-March) seasons, but deer mo ved more during the rainy season-a pattern apparently related to availabili ty of flowers.