Wolf, Canis lupus , Den Site Selection in the Rocky Mountains

摘要: Because mortality of Wolves, Canis lupus , is highest during the first six months life, den site selection may affect reproductive success Wolf populations. We studied fine-scale denning habitat (within 100 m site) by comparing field-measured characteristics 22 dens in Idaho, Montana, and Alberta with paired random contrast locations within pack home ranges. In order importance, Wolves denned areas greater canopy cover, hiding herbaceous ground woody debris, were closer to water than sites. Thus select sites for physical protection available water. also coarse-scale 35 Wyoming respect remotely-sensed variables (elevation, slope, coniferous forest solar radiation, distance water, roads). Although these did not differ (univariate P > 0.10) between locations, a Mahalanobis-distance model using four (slope, elevation, radiation) suggested 85% would occur potential occupying < 12% recovery northern Rocky Mountains. This be useful identifying likely yet occupied Wolves. core use areas, including showed higher intensity throughout year when compared entire territory.