Annual movement strategy predicts within-season space use by moose

• DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-03059-4
• Publication Date: 2021-08-12T04:30:08Z
• Authors: Tomasz Borowik; Rafał Kowalczyk; Weronika Maślanko; Norbert Duda; Mirosław Ratkiewicz
• Keywords: Animal ecology; Seasonality; Home range; Annual cycle

Abstract The heterogeneity of resource availability shapes animal movements at different spatio-temporal scales. Given that various scales are assumed to be linked, the space use temperate ungulates within seasonal ranges (winter, summer) should related their movement patterns annual scale. In this study, we aimed evaluate level stationarity moose ( Alces alces ) and link within-season use. We analysed ranging behaviour 32 fitted with GPS collars from two study areas in Eastern Poland, where scale a fraction individuals migrate between summer winter (partial migration). Our results revealed home expressed remarkable variation. probability was significantly higher (by 23%), mean range size tended lower (9.7 km 2 among seasonally migrated than non-migratory (14.3 ). addition, found (i) summer, were more stationary 19%) exhibited smaller (9.0 15.9 , respectively) (ii) males (19.6 remarkably greater females (9.6 significant movements, any environmental change (e.g. climate warming) affecting an animal’s strategy could alter presumably individual fitness. Significance statement To maximize fitness, animals adjust deal variations distribution landscape. variation causes types migratory behaviours, year-round migration, when establish spatially separated ranges. Studies on suggest stability can linked behaviour. Using locations GPS-tracked moose, demonstrate prone establishing stable (especially occupied same area throughout year. Moreover, winter, which may season-specific spatial renewability forage. show clear temporal movements.