Assessing translocation effects on the spatial ecology and survival of muskrats Ondatra zibethicus

Muskrats Ondatra zibethicus are semiaquatic herbivores experiencing long-term and widespread population declines across North America. Translocation may be a viable tool to bolster or reestablish local populations; however, subsequent effects of translocation on muskrats unknown. We live-trapped translocated radiomarked (n = 65) during the summers 2018–2019 in Voyageurs National Park, MN, USA assessed post-translocation weekly survival probabilities space-use patterns. did not observe homing behavior, though individuals moved an average 2.2 km (SE 0.30 km) from release sites established home ranges within ∼8 days 1.16 days) post-translocation. Weekly (0.95, SE 0.001) home-range sizes (2.52 ha, 0.44 ha) were similar other studies non-translocated muskrats. Our most-supported known-fate model revealed using beaver Castor canadensis lodges had greater probabilities. Additionally, muskrat varied between years suggesting positive response novel soft-release technique applied 2019. study provides first empirical assessment suggests effective for establishing enhancing populations. our confer fitness benefits sympatric particularly dispersal.