Autumn and Winter Behavioral Preferences of Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis) in Northeast China

We conducted a random transect line survey in the known and potential distribution areas of water deer in the reserve during autumn and winter, with 9 random transect lines per season. The observer walked along the transect line and when the activity trace of water deer was found, a 10 m × 10 m experimental plot centered at the trace was establishe to estimate habitat features used by the deer. In addition, a 10 m × 10 m control plot was established at an appropriate place in a random direction and was 500–1000 m away from the experimental plot and the transect line. The habitat factors of experimental plots and control plots recorded included vegetation types, dominant plants, elevation, distance to human settlements, distance from water, herbage coverage, height of dominant herbage, hiding cover, slope degree, slope position, and slope direction. In the current study, a total of 49 experimental plots and 47 control plots were recorded in autumn, and atotal of 45 experimental plots and 44 control plots were recorded in winter.