Post-release habitats’ selection of Capreolus capreolus italicus (Festa, 1925) in a protected area in southern Italy

The purpose of this study was to analyze the post-release behavior of individuals of Capreolus capreolus italicus (Festa 1925) and to evaluate the influence of environmental and vegetation characteristics on habitat selection by monitored animals. With these aims, 14 individuals of roe deer (a sample of 75 animals released in total), differentiated by age and sex, were caught in areas of southern Tuscany (central Italy) and released in suitable areas of the Aspromonte National Park (Calabria, southern Italy). Each animal was monitored by GPS-GSM tracking radio collar (Vectronics ®) with frequency of location ranging from 30 minutes (in the first month) to 6 hours (later), and covering a period ranging from 90 to 563 days. Each fix, reported in a GIS environment, was analyzed to get information on habitat selection performed by tracked animals. Data collection implemented forest area, herbaceous resources characterization and the evaluation of possible visual refuge offered to the animals by the environment, to assess the effect of these attributes on the selection of grounds. Results showed that the choice of a particular habitat is highly correlated with forests’ characteristics, the areas covered by conifers and with height of crown insertion between 1 and 2 m, generally with absence of regeneration, being clearly preferred. Most attended herbaceous areas are those with a high presence of grasses and with a high pastoral value. Visual refuge affects also remarkably the selection of habitats by animals. The study showed that the observed parameters can provide a good basis for the validation of the model used for the feasibility study and to identify the optimal characteristics of the areas for future releases.