Modelling wild ungulate distribution in alpine habitat: A case study

Abstract

Modelling sedentary large vertebrate distributions by means of stochastic statistical techniques has become widely used especially when dealing with species of management concern. Models may be used as research or as management and planning tools whose applied and predictive aspects are most valued. In this paper we present the results of modelling chamois, red deer and roe deer distributions in Western Alps. Our aim is to supply researchers and wildlife managers with models that are simple both to handle and to understand from a biological point of view. We discuss the applied and predictive aspects of the models and the ecological requirements of the species considered as resulted from them. This study focuses on alpine environment where topography proved to be an important predictor of ungulates distribution. Community variables such as the presence of other ungulate species and predators also played a major role.

Key words:

• Rupicapra rupicapra
• Cervus elaphus
• Capreolus capreolus
• Distribution
• Habitat suitability
• Predictive models
• Western Alps
• Italy