Sitka Black-Tailed Deer Habitat Selection in Relation to Logging and Vegetation in a Temperate Rainforest

Abstract

Forest resource extraction such as logging can have spatially and temporally varying effects on wildlife populations. To explore the response of Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) to commercial forestry we performed habitat selection analyses (HSAs) based on data across 3 spatial scales (step selection, home range, and study area) and 4 seasons in relation to logging-related covariates (clearcuts and roads) and LiDAR-derived vegetation metrics (canopy and understory cover).We deployed global positioning system (GPS) collars on 61 female deer (mean locations/deer: n = 3603; SD = 645) in a coastal temperate rainforest (Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, USA). Deer response to young (<30 year) and old (≥30) logged stands was mostly equivocal across seasons and scales, though there was a tendency for deer to avoid older clearcuts at the home range scale. However, both within and outside of logged stands, deer avoided areas of greater canopy cover and selected areas with more understory as estimated by LiDAR. Deer generally selected areas near logging roads that were open to vehicle traffic and were neutral towards closed roads Although there was variation in individual deer habitat selection patterns, the overall population response was generally consistent across seasons and scales. Our results suggest that forest structure rather than logging status was more influential to deer habitat selection and that deer responded to road status (open or closed to vehicle traffic). Forest management activities such as timber harvest, restoration, and road construction and maintenance should be planned to account for deer habitat selection in order to maintain deer populations.

Keywords: Logging, Sitka black-tailed deer, Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis, temperate rainforest, LiDAR