Multiple spatial behaviours govern social network positions in a wild ungulate

The structure of wild animal social systems depends on a complex combination intrinsic and extrinsic drivers. Population structuring spatial behaviour are key determinants individuals’ observed behaviour, but quantifying these components alongside multiple other drivers remains difficult due to data scarcity analytical complexity. We used 43-year dataset detailing red deer population investigate how behaviours drive network positioning, while simultaneously assessing potential contributing factors. Using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) multi-matrix models, we demonstrate that positions shaped by two-dimensional landscape locations, pairwise space sharing, individual range size, temporal variation in density, smaller detectable impacts selection individual-level phenotypic traits. These results indicate strong, multifaceted spatiotemporal this society, emphasising the importance considering when investigating causes consequences sociality.