HABITAT PREFERENCE OF Odocoileus virginianus thomasi MERRIAM, IN TWO LIVESTOCK PRODUCING EJIDOS IN SOUTHEASTERN MÉXICO

Abstract

The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus thomasi MERRIAM) is a species with high value throughout México, but little is known about the tropical subspecies. In this study, the habitat preferences of the white-tailed deer in areas with the presence of livestock production in two sites of the Southeast of México are analyzed, and for this purpose, the average livestock density was estimated in ejidos San Joaquín y El Caudillo, in the municipalities of Tenosique and Balancán, Tabasco, México, respectively. The method of fixed-transect plots was used, where tracks of the species were recorded. The percentage of habitat availability was estimated, and the square Chi test was applied to identify whether there were differences between the use and availability, as well as the Bonferroni intervals to contrast the expected and observed use. In San Joaquín, the white-tailed deer preferred the habitat of pucte semi-evergreen medium forest, while in El Caudillo it was the savannah-pastureland. Habitat preferences can be the result of protection coverage and food availability. Hunting is a factor that could influence the habitat preference of deer.