Selection of bed-sites by roe deer Capreolus capreolus fawns in an agricultural landscape

The vegetation characteristics and habitat selection associated with the bed-sites used by neonatal roe deer Capreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758) fawns were studied in an agricultural environment in central Norway. Data were collected from 85 radio-collared fawns belonging to 38 families during 1992-1994. All bed-sites used provided effective cover, although this differed between habitats and increased during the summer as the herbaceous vegetation developed. Seasonal use of farmland increased and then decreased reflecting the growth, and cutting of the grass. Habitats were not used in relation to their availability. Early born fawns significantly avoided farmland, whereas later born fawns showed no significant selection or avoidance of any habitats. The data show how roe deer fawns are able to exploit small patches of non-cultivated habitats in an agricultural landscape.