Sexual segregation in North American elk: the role of density dependence

نویسندگان

  • Kelley M Stewart
  • Danielle R Walsh
  • John G Kie
  • Brian L Dick
  • R Terry Bowyer
چکیده

We investigated how density-dependent processes and subsequent variation in nutritional condition of individuals influenced both timing and duration of sexual segregation and selection of resources. During 1999-2001, we experimentally created two population densities of North American elk (Cervus elaphus), a high-density population at 20 elk/km(2), and a low-density population at 4 elk/km(2) to test hypotheses relative to timing and duration of sexual segregation and variation in selection of resources. We used multi-response permutation procedures to investigate patterns of sexual segregation, and resource selection functions to document differences in selection of resources by individuals in high- and low-density populations during sexual segregation and aggregation. The duration of sexual segregation was 2 months longer in the high-density population and likely was influenced by individuals in poorer nutritional condition, which corresponded with later conception and parturition, than at low density. Males and females in the high-density population overlapped in selection of resources to a greater extent than in the low-density population, probably resulting from density-dependent effects of increased intraspecific competition and lower availability of resources.

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عنوان ژورنال:

دوره 5  شماره 

صفحات  -

تاریخ انتشار 2015