deer
habitat classifications and definitions
Classification
Definition
A-limited
range.
This
habitat type includes habitat which are occasionally inhabited and/or
contains
small population of scattered mule deer.
C-Other
important
habitat
These areas that are part of the overall
range where higher quality habitat supports significantly higher
densities of
deer than surrounding areas. These areas
are typically occupied year round and not necessarily associated with a
specific season. Some examples may
include: rough break country, riparian
areas, small drainages and large areas of irrigated cropland, migration
corridors,
highway crossings, fawning areas, etc.
D-Winter
Range
That part of the overall range where 90
percent of the individuals are located during the average five winters
out of
ten from the first heavy snowfall to spring green-up, or during a
site-specific
period of winter. A subset of this
definition would include a “severe winter range” definition to include
areas
within the winter range where 90% of the individuals are located when
annual
snow pack is at its maximum and/or temperatures are at a minimum in the
two
worst winters our of ten.
E-Winter
Concentration
This habitat
includes that part of the winter range where densities are at least
200%
greater than the surrounding winter range density during the same
period used
to define winter range in the average five winters out of ten.
F-Year-round
Population
This habitat is
defined as an area that provides year-round range for a population of
mule
deer. The resident mule deer use all of
the area all year; it cannot be subdivided into seasonal ranges
although it may
be included within the overall range of the larger population.
The colors of the above habitat classification type outlined above correspond with the colors used on the GIS data layers to define that specific habitat type. These were identified and classified by the local biologist and or habitat specialist in each participating state or province.
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