Abstract
Understanding the ecological and biological factors that influence habitat selection by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is crucial for effective management. Mule deer select cover, forage, and water, each critical to energy acquisition and survival of mule deer. Here, we evaluate the factors that influence habitat selection and reproductive decisions by mule deer . In chapter one we evaluate the influence of treatments to restore quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) on habitat selection by mule deer. We hypothesized that mule deer would not use habitats randomly because of variability in nutrition and perceived risk of predation. We predicted that areas with aspen treatments would be preferred by mule deer because of increased access to high-quality forage. In chapter two, we evaluated the survival costs that parturient mule deer incur when pregnant or rearing fawns. We hypothesized that parturition and caring for young would influence maternal survival. We predicted that individuals that were not pregnant or not caring for young would display increased survival before and after parturition because they would not be allocating energy to reproductive needs. Our results will inform conservation, management, habitat restoration efforts, and future mule deer research.
Degree
MS
College and Department
Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences
Rights
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BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Knight, Brady R., "Ecological Drivers of Habitat Selection and Maternal Survival in Female Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 11129.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/11129
Date Submitted
2025-12-08
Document Type
Thesis
Keywords
aspen, habitat selection, parturition, mule deer, reproduction, resource selection
Language
english