Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) density in a landscape element of the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico

The densities of two subpopulations of mule deer were estimated in two patches of the same landscape element in the Chihuahuan Desert. Each patch was characterized by 12 variables. Deer density was different between patches. According to univariate comparison, both patches may be considered as pertaining to the same landscape element. However, principal components analysis indicated that patches were different. Furthermore, certain patch variables corresponded with subpopulation densities of mule deer. Specifically, uneveness of terrain and distance to water were significantly associated with differences in population density between patches. The utility of patch-based studies in developing conservation strategies is discussed.