Sex and age differences in habitat use priorities of sika deer (Cervus nippon) in highly seasonal habitats of Mount Fuji
In: BehaviourUnited Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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Wildlife Management Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8, Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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Abstract
Sexually dimorphic ungulates often show differences in habitat use between sexes; however, information on seasonal changes in habitat use according to sex and the presence of offspring is scarce. This study aimed to clarify the seasonal differences in habitat use of sika deer (Cervus nippon) according to sex, age, and the presence of offspring in the highly seasonal habitats of the subalpine zone of Mount Fuji, Japan. Habitat use varied across seasons and substantial differences according to sex and the presence offspring were observed in summer. In summer, males frequently used habitats with abundant forage (forest edges). Conversely, while females without offspring frequently used habitats with abundant forage (forest edges) and safety (flat terrain), females with offspring preferred safer habitats (forest interior, areas far from mountain trails, and flat terrain) instead. These results revealed that males, females without fawns, and females with fawns prioritized food intake over safety, both food intake and safety, and safety, respectively. These patterns reflect differences in vulnerability to predation and in strategies to maximize reproductive success. The habitat use of females with fawns changed drastically from summer to autumn: in autumn, they prioritized not only safety but also food conditions, suggesting that their habitat use changed seasonally as vulnerability declined with fawn growth.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
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| Abstract Views | 646 | 411 | 19 |
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Sex and age differences in habitat use priorities of sika deer (Cervus nippon) in highly seasonal habitats of Mount Fuji
In: BehaviourUnited Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
Search for other papers by K. Nakamura in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Wildlife Management Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8, Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
Search for other papers by H. Takada in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by S. Koike in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
Sexually dimorphic ungulates often show differences in habitat use between sexes; however, information on seasonal changes in habitat use according to sex and the presence of offspring is scarce. This study aimed to clarify the seasonal differences in habitat use of sika deer (Cervus nippon) according to sex, age, and the presence of offspring in the highly seasonal habitats of the subalpine zone of Mount Fuji, Japan. Habitat use varied across seasons and substantial differences according to sex and the presence offspring were observed in summer. In summer, males frequently used habitats with abundant forage (forest edges). Conversely, while females without offspring frequently used habitats with abundant forage (forest edges) and safety (flat terrain), females with offspring preferred safer habitats (forest interior, areas far from mountain trails, and flat terrain) instead. These results revealed that males, females without fawns, and females with fawns prioritized food intake over safety, both food intake and safety, and safety, respectively. These patterns reflect differences in vulnerability to predation and in strategies to maximize reproductive success. The habitat use of females with fawns changed drastically from summer to autumn: in autumn, they prioritized not only safety but also food conditions, suggesting that their habitat use changed seasonally as vulnerability declined with fawn growth.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 646 | 411 | 19 |
| Full Text Views | 19 | 6 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 33 | 14 | 0 |
