Miscel.lania Zoologica 20.1 (1 997) 27 Habitat use by roe and red deer in Southern Spain

Habitat use by roe and red deer in Southern Spain.- In order to analyse how altitude, cover, and botanical diversity may be involved in the habitat preferences of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Southern Spain, 44 plots in four linear transects were established in 'Los Alcornocales ' Park (Cádiz). The results revealed a certain degree of spatial interaction between the two species in spring and summe'r. Roe deer selected the lowest altitudes during the territorial period (March-August) and red deer selected the same low altitudes in spring and summer. This interaction could be particularly important during the fawning season. Roe deer selected high cover and high botanical diversity of tree stratum, which could be related to food habits and to the ability of roe deer to produce multiple births