Consequences of natal philopatry for reproductive success and mate choice in an Alpine rodent

摘要: Quantifying the interaction between dispersal, kinship, and genetic structure can provide insights into factors that shape kin-structured mammal societies. Here, we first employ a combination of 8 years capture–mark–recapture molecular data to characterize spatial relationships among female snow voles (Chionomys nivalis) in population located Swiss Alps. Subsequently, examine individual-level consequences kin terms fitness mating patterns. Behavioral data, relatedness estimates, autocorrelation analyses indicate females show strong philopatry, with spatially clustered being characterized by high levels relatedness, leading significant small-scale (<30 m) (SGS). In line selection favoring dispersing had lower compared philopatric individuals. However, found negative association reproductive success number neighboring females. This suggests clustering does not constitute an adaptive strategy this species, but rather site tenacity is by-product costs dispersal. Although dispersal frequently invoked as means avoid inbreeding, our results no evidence for premating inbreeding avoidance, which previous studies on mammals. Instead, majority years, observed pairs were more-closely related than expected chance. both males partners reduced success, suggesting existence depression and/or postmating avoidance mechanisms. On whole, how quantification SGS within populations individual behavior its consequences, ways social interacts evolution free-living populations.