A Study on the Frequency Distribution of Semifree Range Milu Fecal Group Counts during Autumn and Winter

The negative binomial, Neyman type A and Thomas distributions were fitted to the frequency distributions of the number of fecal groups per plot for semifree range Milu (Elaphurus davidianus)during Autumn and Winter. The results were counted on a systematic sample of 298 and 461 circular plots in 113 ha and 147ha of Da Feng Milu Reserve. The size of sample plots were 10 m2, 20m2 and 30m2. The negative binomial distribution was preferred to the results, the difference between aggregation of individuals was considered to be due to environmental causes rather than social factors. The negative binomial distribution was also suited to the frequency distribution of fecal groups on grassland and woodland in the two areas. The pellet-group density in woodland was higher than that in grassland, but the aggregate index in grassland was higher than that in woodland. These indicated that Milu prefered woodland rather than grassland during Autum and Winter. The individuals on grassland aggregated more closely than those in woodland. The aggregation of individuals of resting groups was higher than that of feeding groups. When fecal groups fitted negative binomial distribution in a habitat, the aggregate index of pellet-groups is relevent to the ratio of resting deer on the same habitat.