Individual Variation in Temporal Dynamics of Post-release Habitat Selection

Translocated animals undergo a phase of behavioral adjustment after being released in novel environment, initially prioritizing exploration and gradually shifting toward resource exploitation. This transition has been termed post-release modification. Post-release modification may also manifest as changes habitat selection through time, these temporal dynamics differ between individuals. We aimed to evaluate how is reflected its variability across individuals using population translocated female greater sage-grouse case study. Sage-grouse were from Wyoming North Dakota (USA) during the summers 2018–2020. analyzed individual function sagebrush cover, herbaceous slope, distance roads. Herbaceous cover key foraging for summer; thus, we expected shift exploitation temporally-varying cover. For each ( N = 26), tested two competing models: null model with no time-dependence time-dependent performed at level an information-theoretic approach. Time-dependence was supported five individuals, unsupported seven, models indistinguishable based on AIC c remaining fourteen. found association top-ranked reproductive status (brood-rearing or not). showed that emerge some but not others, failing account hinder detection steady-state patterns. These findings demonstrate need consider both when conducting monitoring inform translocation protocols.