Heterogeneity in Primary Productivity Influences Competitive Interactions between Red Deer and Alpine Chamois.

ABSTRACT: Habitat heterogeneity can promote coexistence between herbivores of different body size limited to different extents by resource quantity and quality. Red deer (Cervus elaphus) are known as superior competitors to smaller species with similar diets. We compared competitive interactions and habitat use between red deer and Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) in two adjacent valleys in a strictly protected area in the Central Alps. Red deer density was higher in the valley with higher primary productivity. Only here was horn growth in kid and yearling chamois (as a measure for body condition) negatively correlated with red deer population size, suggesting interspecific competition, and chamois selected meadows with steeper slopes and lower productivity than available on average. Conversely,

SUBMITTER: Anderwald P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4732944 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature