SPACING AS A PREDICTOR OF SOCIAL ORGANIZATION IN KANGAROO RATS (DIPODOMYS HEERMANNI ARENAE)

摘要: We examined intraspecific space use of free-ranging kangaroo rats (Dipodomys heermanni) during the breeding season using behavioral observations and radiotelemetry. Home ranges males were significantly larger than those females. Female D. heermanni maintained exclusive territories with essentially nonoverlapping home ranges, whereas overlapped both same- opposite-sex conspecifics, reflecting different strategies sexes. This follows a general pattern found in mammals which spacing reflects limiting resources. There was, however, high individual variation range size for males, may suggest role social interactions determining spatial behavior this species. heermanni, medium-size species, appears intermediate compared spectabilis smaller merriami. Spacing systems characterize distribution individuals population time. The location an is influenced by presence or absence other (Brown Orians 1970), food resources (Covich 1976; Emlen Oring 1977), extent suitable habitat. processes are allocated among members determine organization. Hence, organization can be used to predict its Patterns have been subject numerous discussions empirical tests (Lott 1991). One metric size, compromise between environmental conditions selective factors such as primary production, metabolic requirements, predation, pressures. These interacting often lead levels interaction within For solitary rodents particular, related sex, season, geography, competitive (Armitage 1999; Ebensperger Bozinovic 2000;