Characterization and habitat preferences by white-tailed deer in Mexico

We analyzed the habitat preferences of white-tailed deer in a 1,000 ha area in an and region of northeastern Mexico where drinking water is abundant t hroughout the year (via 33 water troughs). Seven habitat types in the study area were identified and characterized. Within each habitat, feeding, sear ching, and bedding activities were evaluated during the reproduction, postr eproduction and fawning seasons of the annual deer cycle. The Acacia-Celtis habitat provided the greatest amount of hiding and thermal cover and edibl e food. The Prosopis habitat also provided significant hiding and thermal c over. Hilaria and Opuntia were the most open habitats. Habitat preferences, evaluated by radiotracking 14 deer over a period of 2 years, varied betwee n sexes and years (P much less than 0.00001), but not among seasons (P > 0. 05). Mate deer preferred open habitats, while females preferred more densel y covered ones. Males and females avoided Prosopis during 1996. Both sexes distributed the 3 activities more evenly during 1996 than during 1995. In 1 995, females preferred Flourensia and Acacia-Celtis habitats for all activi ties, and during 1996 males preferred Hilaria and Leucophyllum. Between yea r changes in precipitation could explain the observed variability: during 1 995 rainfall was 136 mm, as compared to 276 mm In 1996. Requirements for co ver increased markedly in 1995 due to high predation and extremely dry cond itions. Overall, our study shows that under good weather conditions, habita t preferences are best explained by variables associated with food availabi lity, while thermal cover is more important under harsh weather conditions, even when drinking water is abundant.