Effects of population density on the diet of roe deer and the availability of their food in Chizé forest

The diet of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, L.) in winter were studied in Chizé forest (France) with respect to food availability, body weight and fertility. Two areas with different populations densites were compared: an unhunted reserve with a roe deer population over 20 animals per km2, and area of similar size where roe deer were hunted and did not exceed 5 animals per km2. The diet of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, L.) in winter were studied in Chizé forest (France) with respect to food availability, body weight and fertility. Two areas with different populations densites were compared: an unhunted reserve with a roe deer population over 20 animals per km2, and area of similar size where roe deer were hunted and did not exceed 5 animals per km2.