The Study of Mammal Movements: A Review

摘要: Movements of mammals have been widely studied, although some studies appear to lacked specific objectives. Movement data furnish basic information regarding a species, are useful in control programs, the taxonomist, and wildlife manager. Beginning with Seton (1909), biologists used home range concept their but differed approaches determination range. This report suggests that sizes shapes species ranges little significance themselves researchers should concentrate on ecological studies. In general, herbivores seem smaller than carnivores; habitat affects size range; average appears decrease as population density increases. Advantages direct observations for determining mammal movements are: handling is minimized, individuals being studied not hampered, obtained where an animal what it doing. Principal disadvantages this technique time required, limited number animals can be at one time, influence observer individual studied. Many techniques capturing, marking, directly observing developed reported. Indirect include use natural signs; capture, release methods; radioactive materials; dyes urine feces; photographic devices; radiotelemetry. Although few workers disagree, locating far ahead interpreting data. Hayne's (1949) report, several suggested various statistical study mammals. These methods developing composite based two or more each individual; when has captured near limits its estimating probability capture site point was observed within distance calculated center activity. No location no analyzing gives best answer all situations. The length observation period, conceded important, rarely considered sufficiently calculating areas distances movement. Techniques minimum area method, boundary strip inclusive exclusive length, adjusted range, activity, activity radius, recapture center, standard diameter, others. Recently investigators shown rectangular, ellipsoidal, linear, rather circular. Probably shape will satisfactorily describe species. It emphasize mammal's needs under circumstances year moves, covered. latter questions answered finding out why particular place time. paper reviews studying movements, discusses common evaluate interpret mammals, briefly looks area. term broad sense, including migration, immigration, emigration, associated behavior territory. difference between populations clearly understood. Individual A leads conclusions about daily seasonal (except extension), migratory defense territory, any other category researcher chooses study.