Title: Reproductive potential of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.): review of the most important influential factors.
Abstract: European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) is the most important game-management species not only in Slovenia but also in other
European countries. For effective game management it is crucial to have an understanding of the ecology and population parameters
that shape the population dynamics of the species. Knowledge about the variability of its reproductive potential, i.e. the proportion
of fertilized females, litter size and fawn sex ratio, apart from the parameters that are already in use, would be very beneficial for
methods of control as it could lead to more efficient adaptive game management, including proper planning of culling measures.
Factors affecting the reproductive potential of roe deer include individual (particularly maternal phenotype, i.e. body size, body
mass, physical condition), population (e.g. population density, demographic structure, social stress, genetics) and environmental
characteristics (habitat quality, weather conditions, interspecific interactions, etc.). The final output of reproductive potential is the
sum of all influencing factors and several combinations between them and therefore varies among different populations and environments.
Higher densities can lower roe deer fertility rates and furthermore number of fawns per doe. Litter size is influenced by
doe’s body mass, as heavier females have more fawns in a litter. There are some contradictory findings in studies of sex ratio variation
in connection to female body mass. Litter size can also be influenced by age of does, as primiparous females have smaller litters
than adults, but also decreases with animal senescence. Roe deer populations from northern environments (Scandinavia) have
higher body masses and larger litters than those from the south (e.g. Italy, Spain), which shows the importance of environment for
roe deer reproduction. However, in Slovenia this issue has been neglected until now. In the following report we present an overview
of the recent European research on factors affecting the fertility and reproductive potential of roe deer. Similar research in Slovenia
would also be valuable, as roe deer is exposed to various environmental factors in this area. In addition, it is also involved in unique
interspecific interactions that have not been studied in recent foreign research. Furthermore, Slovene distinguishing databases provide
an outstanding platform for proficient understanding of different effects on roe deer yield in Central Europe.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 5
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