Is Mustelid Life History Different?

摘要: The relationship between life-history variation and population processes may form a foundation for developing conservation strategies. Researchers have argued that mustelids require special practices due to their unique habitat requirements K-selected strategy. We used the comparative method test whether behavioral traits of differed from those other carnivores. Controlling phylogeny, we documented are characterized by shorter gestation (P = 0.09) relative terrestrial Moreover, longer period estrus, more sexually dimorphic, live at lower densities, occupy larger home ranges. amount energy (evapotranspiration) did not differ environments carnivores, but lived with greater in (seasonality). argue evolved “bet-hedging” adaptations unpredictable include trade-off adult survival reproductive effort. Thus, measures promote persistence mustelid populations should consider environmental unpredictability, ensure low trapping rates adults.