Space-use, movement and dispersal of sub-adult cougars in a geographically isolated population

摘要: Cougar (Puma concolor) observations have increased in Midwest North America, with breeding populations re-establishing several regions east of their contemporary range. The Cypress Hills Uplands, located southwest Saskatchewan and southeast Alberta, was recently re-colonized by cougars now supports the easternmost confirmed population Canada. A number factors contribute to this cougar range expansion, but it is dispersal that provides mechanism for re-colonization historic We used GPS-collar data examine space-use movement behavior sub-adult cougars, age class associated dispersal, Hills. Conditional logistic regression a two-stage modeling approach were estimate resource selection functions (RSF) during two distinct ranging behaviors: transient movements (i.e., exploratory forays) localizing temporary home ranges). Linear model rates, measured as distance between consecutive 3-h GPS-relocations, relative different habitats, times day behavior. All individual displayed bouts male dispersed from natal ranges travelled considerably farther distances than female cougars. One over 750 km eastward through agricultural belt northern Montana southern Saskatchewan. Males occupied more open habitats on fringes insular Hills, while females appeared be recruited into adult population, occupying treed habitat provided suitable cover. During both behaviors, selected rugged terrain proximity hydrological features (likely supporting riparian habitats) avoided cover types. Differences behaviors observed response water, roads elevation. Although certain characteristics preferred, fast-paced nocturnal shortened daytime when traversing effectively limit residency exposure less-suitable landscapes. Additionally, moved greater at night compared indicating darkness traverse novel terrain. In doing so, can successfully disperse hundred kilometres across matrix search resources mates.