Sexual segregation results in pronounced sex-specific density gradients in the mountain ungulate, Rupicapra rupicapra
Abstract Sex-specific differences in habitat selection and space use are common in ungulates. Yet, it is largely unknown how this behavioral dimorphism, ultimately leading to sexual segregation, translates to population-level patterns and density gradients across landscapes. Alpine chamois (Rupicapr...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Communications Biology |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05313-z |
| _version_ | 1797557129403432960 |
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| author | Hendrik Edelhoff Cyril Milleret Cornelia Ebert Pierre Dupont Thomas Kudernatsch Alois Zollner Richard Bischof Wibke Peters |
| author_facet | Hendrik Edelhoff Cyril Milleret Cornelia Ebert Pierre Dupont Thomas Kudernatsch Alois Zollner Richard Bischof Wibke Peters |
| author_sort | Hendrik Edelhoff |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Sex-specific differences in habitat selection and space use are common in ungulates. Yet, it is largely unknown how this behavioral dimorphism, ultimately leading to sexual segregation, translates to population-level patterns and density gradients across landscapes. Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra r.) predominantly occupy habitat above tree line, yet especially males may also take advantage of forested habitats. To estimate male and female chamois density and determinants thereof, we applied Bayesian spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models in two contrasting study areas in the Alps, Germany, during autumn. We fitted SCR models to non-invasive individual encounter data derived from genotyped feces. Sex-specific densities were modeled as a function of terrain ruggedness, forest canopy cover, proportion of barren ground, and site severity. We detected pronounced differences in male and female density patterns, driven primarily by terrain ruggedness, rather than by sex-specific effects of canopy cover. The positive effect of ruggedness on density was weaker for males which translated into a higher proportion of males occupying less variable terrain, frequently located in forests, compared to females. By estimating sex-specific variation in both detection probabilities and density, we were able to quantify and map how individual behavioral differences scale up and shape spatial patterns in population density. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T17:12:56Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-270a9c1efec64ee29c72b3b939efb2f8 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2399-3642 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T17:12:56Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Communications Biology |
| spelling | doaj.art-270a9c1efec64ee29c72b3b939efb2f82023-11-20T10:35:23ZengNature PortfolioCommunications Biology2399-36422023-09-016111210.1038/s42003-023-05313-zSexual segregation results in pronounced sex-specific density gradients in the mountain ungulate, Rupicapra rupicapraHendrik Edelhoff0Cyril Milleret1Cornelia Ebert2Pierre Dupont3Thomas Kudernatsch4Alois Zollner5Richard Bischof6Wibke Peters7Wildlife Biology and Management Research Unit, Bavarian State Institute of ForestryFaculty of Environmental Management and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life SciencesSeq-IT GmbH & Co.KG, Department Wildlife GeneticsFaculty of Environmental Management and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life SciencesDepartment of Conservation and Biodiversity, Bavarian State Institute of ForestryDepartment of Conservation and Biodiversity, Bavarian State Institute of ForestryFaculty of Environmental Management and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life SciencesWildlife Biology and Management Research Unit, Bavarian State Institute of ForestryAbstract Sex-specific differences in habitat selection and space use are common in ungulates. Yet, it is largely unknown how this behavioral dimorphism, ultimately leading to sexual segregation, translates to population-level patterns and density gradients across landscapes. Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra r.) predominantly occupy habitat above tree line, yet especially males may also take advantage of forested habitats. To estimate male and female chamois density and determinants thereof, we applied Bayesian spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models in two contrasting study areas in the Alps, Germany, during autumn. We fitted SCR models to non-invasive individual encounter data derived from genotyped feces. Sex-specific densities were modeled as a function of terrain ruggedness, forest canopy cover, proportion of barren ground, and site severity. We detected pronounced differences in male and female density patterns, driven primarily by terrain ruggedness, rather than by sex-specific effects of canopy cover. The positive effect of ruggedness on density was weaker for males which translated into a higher proportion of males occupying less variable terrain, frequently located in forests, compared to females. By estimating sex-specific variation in both detection probabilities and density, we were able to quantify and map how individual behavioral differences scale up and shape spatial patterns in population density.https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05313-z |
| spellingShingle | Hendrik Edelhoff Cyril Milleret Cornelia Ebert Pierre Dupont Thomas Kudernatsch Alois Zollner Richard Bischof Wibke Peters Sexual segregation results in pronounced sex-specific density gradients in the mountain ungulate, Rupicapra rupicapra Communications Biology |
| title | Sexual segregation results in pronounced sex-specific density gradients in the mountain ungulate, Rupicapra rupicapra |
| title_full | Sexual segregation results in pronounced sex-specific density gradients in the mountain ungulate, Rupicapra rupicapra |
| title_fullStr | Sexual segregation results in pronounced sex-specific density gradients in the mountain ungulate, Rupicapra rupicapra |
| title_full_unstemmed | Sexual segregation results in pronounced sex-specific density gradients in the mountain ungulate, Rupicapra rupicapra |
| title_short | Sexual segregation results in pronounced sex-specific density gradients in the mountain ungulate, Rupicapra rupicapra |
| title_sort | sexual segregation results in pronounced sex specific density gradients in the mountain ungulate rupicapra rupicapra |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05313-z |
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