Habitat and human factors associated with white-tailed deer density in the tropical dry forest of Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between population densities of the white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus and certain habitat and human characteristics in the tropical dry forest of the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve (TCBR), Mexico. To estimate population density and characterize the habitat, we established 32 strip transects (500 x 2 m) at four different locations in the TCBR from May to June during the dry season of 2010. Principal component analyses were used to order the 32 transects using habitat/human impact variables and tree species composition. Estimated average density was 1.7 deer/km(2), ranging from 0.1 to 2.9 deer/km(2). The variables associated with white-tailed deer density were: basal area, distance to roads, distance to the area with largest human population, slope, aspect and presence of cattle; the principal plant species were Zapotillo (Lantana camara), Chintoborrego (Vallesia glabra), Nanche (Bunchosia biocellata), Cuachalalate (Amphipterigyum adstringens) and Cuajiote Amarillo (Bursera aptera). Compared to other tropical dry forests, estimated white-tailed deer densities in the TCBR were lower. We discuss the possible effect of these variables on deer density and suggest management actions.