Lek formation in sage grouse: the effect of female choice on male territory settlement

摘要: Abstract Previous studies of female choice in sage grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus , have identified two processes that could drive the local clustering male territories at leks: (1) fidelity females to previous mating sites (‘temporal spillover’ hypothesis), and (2) ‘spatial matings from an attractive his immediate neighbour (‘hotshot’ hypothesis). The effects each process on territory settlement were investigated using observations resettlement vacant individual site during a 7-year field study. frequency with which resettled both within between seasons increased success site's occupant, but not neighbouring males. Territories vacated by most successful males acted as foci for clusters following year. Fidelity their also success, was unaffected neighbours. However, rate returned lek (though necessarily same territory) own Returning neighbours failed return advantage competing territory. These data support role temporal spillover formation suggest territorial use ‘win-stay’ rule should favour established cues naive individuals. spatial hypothesis supported, perhaps because this creates conflicts interest kleptoparasitic prevent stable groups.