Space use in free-ranging canids: are gonadal hormones required for territory maintenance?

Fertility control among carnivores has been used to reduce depredations on livestock and wild neonates, population control, modify behavior, inhibit genetic introgression, human–wildlife conflicts. Although there is considerable knowledge techniques sterilize carnivores, little information concerning how the absence of gonadal hormones influences space use, survival canids. We examined territorial fidelity, home-range size overlap, 179 surgically sterilized free-ranging canids (124 coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823), 55 coyote – red wolf rufus Audubon Bachman, 1851) hybrids) with present (tubal-ligated females (n = 70), vasectomized males 73)) versus absent (spayed 22), neutered 14)). The did not influence annual territory rates. Additionally, no differences were detected across sexes hormonal treatments in size, percent residency rates, Methods fertility that do keep organs intact may prove useful for management without concern changes mainly territoriality, survival.