Site fidelity of female caribou at multiple spatial scales

摘要: Studies of site fidelity have been hampered by arbitrary designations spatial scale and the lack null models for comparison. We generated expectations at different scales from distribution radio-tracked animals in a population. applied to space use satellite-tracked caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), most vagile nonvolant terrestrial animal, populations representing sedentary migratory ecotypes. compared distances between consecutive-year locations adult females based on total range seasonal each At range, displayed remarkably similar philopatry, despite 30-fold difference size their population ranges, time calving (late May) breeding October). The intense occurred during post-calving when, average, returned as near 6.7 km 123 km, respectively, occupied previous year. ecotypes differed. Sedentary still breeding; exhibited only late autumn. For migratory, but not caribou, inter-year winter were negatively correlated with age, implying that older more philopatric. conclude reproductive activities delimit season female both ecotypes, scale-dependent ecotypic differences may reflect factors limitation. A spatially-explicit approach is essential synthesizing patterns across studies.