Synchronicity of movement paths of barren-ground caribou and tundra wolves

摘要: Movement patterns of highly mobile animals can reveal life history strategies and ecological relation- ships. We hypothesized that wolves (Canis lupus) would display similar movement as their prey, barren- ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus), movements the two species co-vary with season. tested for interspecific dynamics using animal locations from monitored concurrently mid-October to June, across Northwest Territories Nunavut, Canada. used a correlated random walk null model test pattern in bearing procedure detect whether were consistently directional. There was statistical difference between (F1,9 = 13.232, P 0.005), when compared walk, significant interaction effect season 6.815, 0.028). During winter, strongly 80-90 ( Xr 0.859, SE 0.065) 270-280 0.875, 0.059) classes suggesting an east-west gradient. Wolf move- ments during winter showed large variation direction, but generally east west. Peak mean correlation spring distinct at 40-50 0.978, 0.006) revealing north-east calving grounds. spring, wolf 0.861, 0.043) 0.850, 0.064) class. Directionality suggested had distribu- tion spatial scales we tested. migration, however, employed asyn- chronous strategies. Our findings demonstrate utility quantifying co- occurring species.