Habitat Use by Desert Mule Deer

Abstract
Habitat use by desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) was studied in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona [USA] from January 1981 through July 1982. Use and preference of vegetative associations, slope position, slope class, and aspect were determined from 1,610 collective radio-telemetry locations of 10 females and 7 males. Seasonal distribution relative to elevation and the nearest available water also was evaluated. Both sexes used and preferred mountainous vegetative associations. Males used lower slope positions, gentler slopes, more areas without an aspect, and lower elevations compared to females. Both sexes were found closer to water during early and late summer compared to winter and spring.

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