Gender differences in activity patterns of American mink Neovison vison in Germany

摘要: Circannual and circadian activity patterns of American mink Neovison vison were studied in a fishpond area northern Germany. Fourteen radiotracked, nine them (five males, four females) for at least 6 months, some even up to 21 months. Both sexes have reduced rates winter months showed considerable increase during mating season (March). In summer months—during the pup raising period—female continued be high. Male mink, on other hand, less active with exception August September. During this time, dispersal juveniles takes place resident males increasingly having defend their territories. Circadian rhythms differed markedly between sexes. All investigated females exhibited perennial diurnal pattern. Female twilight night was significantly lower than daylight. Three male typical nocturnal course throughout year. Daylight these animals very low, increased dusk dawn stayed higher level night. Two behaved arrhythmic; they did not prefer any time day activity. The observed temporal strategies discussed context intra-sexual territoriality, sexual dimorphism body size different environmental factors.