Ecology and behaviour of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in an alpine valley

The present study was undertaken in order to examine environmental preferences and social aggregations of red deer in an alpine valley. From March 1994 to February 1995, 72 hours of observations were carried out at dawn and at dusk for two days/month from two different fixed sites. A certain degree of altitudinal and spatial overlapping with roe deer and chamois was observed. Males used the higher part of the valley more frequently than females Most of our results about group composition (sexual segregation, presence of isolated individuals) are in agreement with those reported by other authors in different environments. Nevertheless, in alpine environment red deer showed some differences as to group size and its seasonal variations compared to the results of studies carried out in different areas, underlining the importance of specific investigations in different environments.