Desert mule deer water consumption in southcentral Arizona

Abstract

I monitored desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) to determine their drinking frequency and water consumption in the Picacho Mountains in the summer of 1986 when temperatures were ≤46 C. Three radio-collared males consumed water 1 time/24 hours over 10 days. Deer consumed from 1.52 to 6.01 liters/visit (X = 3.70, SE = 0.13, N = 54). Females drank more (X = 4.16, N = 20) than males (X = 3.55, N = 24) during late summer (P < 0.05). To measure water consumption of large, free ranging mammals, I developed a technique using a microflowmeter. Water consumption was measured in 0.01 liter units and measurements were linear for volumes ≥1 liter. Field accuracy was within 1%. I observed nocturnal behavior from 250 m using infrared lights and high magnification lenses with a nightscope. Desert mule deer can be censused in summer based on the frequency that they visit waterholes. The minimum water requirements for a captive female desert mule deer (55 ml/kg⁰•⁸/day) indicate an ability to conserve water.