Ranging behaviour and reproductive rate in the threatened population of roe deer in Gargano, South Italy

The ranging behaviour of Italian roe deer Capreolus capreolus italicus was studied for 2 years in a low density, “vulnerable” population (ca. 6 ind./100 ha), in an Apennine-continental forest of Southern Italy (Gargano National Park), through satellite radiotracking. The seasonal median home range size of does ranged significantly between 16 ha, in spring, and 43 ha, in the cold months. Monthly home range size of does did not change significantly in daylight, night and twilight. The reproductive success (fawns:female) of our radiotagged does was very low (0.8–1.3 vs the expected 2) in both years of study, contrasting with the normal productivity of roe does, especially when density is low.