Sex difference in natal dispersal distances of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos in Scotland

• DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13225
• Publication Date: 2023-04-19T03:09:48Z
• Authors: D. Philip Whitfield; Alan H. Fielding; David Anderson; Stuart Benn; Robin Reid; Ruth Tingay; Ewan Weston
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 15. Life on land; 10. No inequality; 01 natural sciences

Natal dispersal distance (NDD) is critical in understanding and defining populations their conservation. It defined as the linear between natal location first reproductive (‘effective NDD’) or potential (‘gross location. a measure of gene flow functional connectivity across generations individuals breeding same different geographies. NDD difficult to record large raptors. GPS‐satellite telemetry has facilitated its recording. Previous Scottish studies showed that gross effective were apparently equivalent, an algorithm based on telemetric data could identify territory settlement timing birds originally tagged nestlings. We analysed from 39 Golden Eagles GPS‐tagged Scotland estimate NDD. Raw median estimates 29.8 km for males ( n = 22) 58.6 females 17), 38.1 averaged sexes. Males had significantly shorter NDD, theoretically predicted. Our but not grossly dissimilar those USA, where sex differences been confirmed. Respective sample sizes may underly latter contrast confirmation. also absence sexed birds, can be different. duration was related suggesting time prospect opportunity associated with selected territory's site. The previous status subsequent settled (occupied vacant) conclude are important application population demography Although we found no support two other drivers (natal status), identifying additional influences infancy raptors deserves more study.