Impact of winter enclosures on energy expenditure and movement activity of european reed deer

The management of red deer enclosures, combined with supplementary feeding, can reduce the energy expenditure of confined animals. These enclosed individuals minimize their spatio-temporal movement and energy usage during their time inside the winter enclosure compared to those living in free range during the same period. The datasets used in this study were based on biologging technology. All measured animals (n=11) were equipped with GPS collars and Daily Dairy sensors to record Vectorial Dynamic Body Acceleration (VeDBA). The study revealed differences in the daily summary and daily mean of VeDBA parameters between enclosed and free-living animals in the study area. Energy expenditure was similar for both groups only at the moment of winter enclosure release. After the enclosure was opened, the released individuals increased their movement and energy expenditure. The use of winter enclosures for red deer management can reduce animal movement and minimize potential damage to young forest stands and seedlings. The opening of the winter enclosure must be synchronized with the availability of natural food resources in the locality. The management of winter enclosures should be carried out with a system of supplementary feeding inside.