TY - JOUR AU - Peek, James M. AU - Mackie, Richard J. AU - Dusek, Gary I. PY - 1992/01/01 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - OVER-WINTER SURVIVAL STRATEGIES OF NORTH AMERICAN CERVIDAE JF - Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose JA - Alces VL - IS - SE - Articles DO - UR - https://www.alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1803 SP - 156-161 AB - <p>Adaptations relating to over-winter survival in North American <em>Cervidae</em> (<em>Alces alces</em>, <em>Cervus elaphus</em>, <em>Odocoileus hemionus</em>, <em>O. virginianus</em>, <em>Rangifer tarandus</em>) are reviewed. All species adapt by varying physiological and behavioral mechanisms consistent with energy conservation. Adaptations of major importance are decreases in metabolism and activity that become pronounced as environmental conditions restrict access to quality forage. Shifts and adjustments to lower quality forage are accompanied by decline in forage intake and use of habitat which ameliorate weather conditions. Secondary adaptations include social behavior and resource partitioning based on sex and social rank.</p> ER -