WINTER OCCUPANCY MODEL OF ROE DEER (CAPREOLUS CAPREOLUS) ON CENTRAL STARA PLANINA MTS SLOPES, BULGARIA

Winter conditions, along with the snow cover, provide a specific environment for the mountainous fauna. The altitude gradient in such habitats suggests a dynamic in the availability and characteristics of this factor. Roe deer's occupation model of the southern and northern slopes of Central Stara Planina Mts was studied, using camera traps. The days with continuous snow cover presence on the mountainous ridge were registered in order to define the study period. More frequent detection of the species on the northern slope of the mountain was reported. The concentration of deer was higher in the areas of 600-800 m a.s.l. and of 1000-1200 m a.s.l. The preference of the roe deer to an older mature beech stands for winter habitats is also confirmed in the present study. The snow cover presence reduces the activity of roe deer.