El ritmo de vida del venado de cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus) en un bosque seco Neotropical: cambios según edad, sexo y estación

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated the daily activity patterns of white-tailed deer in a seasonally dry tropical forest in Ecuador. The effects of developmental stages and sex of individuals, as well as seasonal variation, were examined. Phototrapping was used to monitor deer activity, and three parameters were analyzed: relative abundance index, directional activity hours, and activity overlap among developmental groups. It was found that activity patterns varied according to developmental stage and sex. Furthermore, differences in daily activity were observed between the dry and rainy seasons. During the rainy season, activity patterns were related to reproductive and post-reproductive behavior, while the dry season showed a general increase in activity and daily activity periods, possibly due to intra-specific competition for limited resources. These findings are relevant to the management and conservation of white-tailed deer in this specific ecosystem.