| Summary: | Species reintroduction is increasingly becoming an important part of species recovery programs and habitat restoration initiatives worldwide. Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) have been reintroduced to Portugal in the past, but the a priori identification of suitable sites for reintroduction can greatly improve the success of such programmes. This study is focused on the first phase of the reintroduction process - the viability phase -, where our study area (Freita, Arada and Montemuro mountains) was characterized and evaluated in terms of suitability to implement the reintroduction process and define reintroduction nuclei in central Portugal. For this, we have used empirical models and expert knowledge (Analytical Hierarchy Process coupled with GIS), and we have identified three reintroduction nuclei suitable for roe deer occurrence and future natural expansion (Manuscript I). The variables used in the model included land use, hydrographic network, asphalted roads, population/villages, and relief. Then, we implemented a simple predictive habitat-use model (GLM) at the Iberian Peninsula scale, where both presence and absence data was used. The model was based on climatic, topographic and environmental variables. Here the model was used to predict the current extent of roe deer habitat that would be suitable for roe deer reintroduction (Manuscript II). GLM model was very accurate, showing a high discriminatory power. Roe deer occurrence and distribution was closely related with distance to perturbation areas, water bodies, shrubs, forest patches and topographic factors. The results are discussed from an ecological perspective, highlighting the relevance of accurate predictions in roe deer conservation and management. The methodologies used in Manuscript I (AHP) and II (GLM) were chosen because they are commonly used, easily replicated, and relatively intuitive to understand. This is especially important in communicating the results to private landowners who will be critical to the management of roe deer. Finally, future goals and actions are discussed in relation to the promotion of the ecological and social conditions that would support the survival of roe deer and Iberian wolf in central Portugal. Our study shows that reintroducing roe deer in central Portugal is feasible and the study area has ecological and environmental suitable conditions for the success of the reintroduction project. In a wider perspective, this study can also contribute to the Iberian wolf conservation and, therefore, to central Portugal ecosystem restoration.
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