Living on the edge: Space use of Eurasian red squirrels in marginal high-elevation habitat

摘要: In marginal habitats located at the edge of a species’ range, environmental conditions are frequently extreme and individuals may be subject to different selective pressures compared central populations. These so-called or populations tend have lower densities reproductive rates than in more suitable habitats, but little is known about local adaptations spacing behavior. We studied space use social organization population Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) high-elevation habitat dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo) it with patterns high-quality Scots sylvestris) forest lower-elevation. Home ranges core areas were larger habitat. both males used home females, sex differences area size significant only population. Patterns overlap similar intra-sexual territoriality among adult females higher degrees inter-sexual overlap, typical for species throughout its range. However, low resulted female by spring-summer, suggesting increased during mating season augment access estrus females. Thus, habitat, food abundance densities, linked winter conditions, squirrels, especially males, large ranges. Finally, responded strongly variation availability (inverse relation between range seed abundance), even fluctuations density animals same sex), high behavioral plasticity respond ecological constraints habitats.