Abstract
Forest habitat use by five radio-equipped white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was monitored in the Arkansas Coastal Plain during 1982-84. The deer were located 821 times. Use of forest types was compared to expected use as calculated from availability. The study area was also divided into 491 two-hectare cells for which timber characteristics and number of deer locations were determined. Pine sawtimber was the most heavily used forest type in all seasons and was used more often than expected during spring. Also used more than expected were brushy areas (clearcut but not site prepared) during spring, summer and fall and openings (grass fields and a site-prepared clearcut) during summer. Hardwood stands were used less often than expected during every season. Also used less than expected were pine pulpwood stands in summer and pine-hardwood stands during spring and summer. A significant (P < 0.001) discriminant function correctly classified 74% of the two-hectare cells as used (1+ locations) or not used (0 locations). Used cells often had less hardwood pulpwood and sawtimber and more pine sawtimber than nonused cells. Use by deer of cells containing stand edges did not differ from use of cells without edges.
Recommended Citation
Wigley, T. B. Jr. and Garner, M. E.
(1988)
"Forest Habitat Use by White-tailed Deer in the Arkansas Coastal Plain,"
Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 42, Article 28.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol42/iss1/28
