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

Ecology and Evolution

Kelley M. Stewart²  Danielle R. Walsh²  John G. Kie³  Brian L. Dick¹ 

[1] United States Forest Service, La Grande, Oregon;Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, Nevada;Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho

关键词: Cervus elaphus;    density dependence;    experimental manipulation;    intrasexual competition;    North American elk;    resource selection;    sexual segregation;   

DOI  :  10.1002/ece3.1397

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Abstract

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/km², and a low-density population at 4 elk/km² 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.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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