Red wolf natal dispersal characteristics: comparing periods of population increase and stability

摘要: We analyzed natal dispersal characteristics for 79 red wolves in the first long-term analysis this species. Variables included straight-line distance, duration, timing, age, direction, and evidence of habitat preference induction dispersers. compared these values during a time when population was increasing (1990–1998) to period numbers had leveled off (1999–2007) stabilized. found no difference average duration or age between two periods, gender bias characteristics. Yearlings/adults dispersed shorter distances (29.5 km) than pups (42.5 km) from 1999 2007 decreased their period. After 1999, dispersals occurred 11 months year (compared with 7 months 1990–1998), peak pup timing shifted December January. The also significantly later yearlings/adults 1999–2007. Dispersal direction not random there westward attributed avoidance water agriculture. Natal evident dispersers both periods.