A habitat model to predict deer-vehicle accidents in Columbia, Missouri

Abstract

Studies show that in a suburban setting white-tailed deer live comfortably with humans and human-associated disturbances. Wildlife ecologists have developed models to predict where deer occur using information such as; seasonal deer movement, forest fragmentation and habitat quality. Many of these models use land use as predictors of deer occurrence. However, urban ecologists know that urban areas are more complex, and that traditional land cover measures are not adequate for describing this complexity. My study will predict where deer occur by examining land cover and/or land use in an urban area in relation to deer-vehicle accidents. The unique feature of this study will concentrate on mapping detailed biotopes to better define deer habitat.