Actual precipitation, predicted precipitation, and large herbivore condition in arid and semi-arid southern New Mexico

Precipitation affects large herbivore performance, but data is often available from only a limited number of weather stations that may not correspond with home ranges. Remotely-sensed estimates could potentially address this by providing precipitation at any point on the landscape. We tested whether 4-km resolution derived Parameter-elevation Relationships Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) were related to nutritional condition 3 species herbivores and accurately predicted as measured in arid New Mexico. Canonical correlation analyses indicated elk, mule deer, pronghorn was both PRISM actual precipitation, lactation status always had stronger effect exception pronghorn. Both showed comparable influence same general ranking importance seasonal condition. generally positively deviance high tended underestimate precipitation. For our study populations, provided no advantage over use dispersed for assessing Performance have been hindered because lack spatial autocorrelation within sites.