Home range dynamics of male roe deerCapreolus capreolus in a mountainous habitat

Male spacing behaviour of roe deer Capreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758) was studied in a wooded mountainous habitat in the Casentinesi Forest National Park, Italy. Data were collected using radio-tracking techniques from March 1997 to February 1998. Annual, seasonal, and bimonthly home ranges were analysed. Different factors may influence male spacing behaviour throughout the year. Winter home range sizes may be dependent on environmental conditions, while social factors could determine a high level of individual variability during the territorial and reproductive period. Prime age males showed great spatial stability, in contrast to the ranging movements of yearlings.