Breeding displacement in gray wolves (Canis lupus): Three males usurp breeding position and pup rearing from a neighboring pack in Yellowstone National Park

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256618
• Publication Date: 2022-11-30T18:29:21Z
• Authors: Jeremy SunderRaj; Jack W. Rabe; Kira A. Cassidy; Rick McIntyre; Daniel R. Stahler; Douglas W. Smith
• Keywords: Dominance (genetics); Agonistic behaviour; Breeding pair; Polygyny

Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) are territorial, group living carnivores that live in packs typically consisting of a dominant breeding pair and their offspring. Breeding tenures relatively short competitive, with vacancies usually occurring following breeder’s death, often filled by unrelated immigrants or relatives the previous breeder. The frequency conditions active breeder displacements poorly understood. Position changes dominance hierarchy common yet rarely documented detail. We describe male position turnover wolf pack males from neighboring mid-summer 2016 Yellowstone National Park. Over course two months, three Mollie’s displaced Wapiti Lake pack, joined pack’s adult females, subsequently raised male’s four approximately three-month old pups. In five years displacement (2017 to 2021), at least one intruding has successfully bred female most subordinate (who was pups time displacement). reared adulthood each year. Male likely influenced male-male competition mate choice. These result individuals competing improve may lead increased stability greater reproductive success. report detail on behavior closely observed we discuss adaptive benefits change.