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Home-range size and exploratory excursions of adult, male yellow-bellied marmots

Authors: Salsbury, C. M.; Armitage, K. B.
Year: 1994
Journal: Journal of Mammalogy, Vol. 75(3), pp. 648-656
Publisher: UNKNOWN
DOI: 10.2307/1382512
Keywords: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR, DISPERSAL, MAMMALOGY, MARMOT, RMBL

Abstract

Home-range sizes of adult, male yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) were estimated from radiotelemetry, trapping, and visual observation. Home ranges were monitored from early May to late August in 1989, 1990, and 1991. Home-range size varied greatly among males (range, 0.06–47.51 ha). Median home-range size for all males was 1.02 ha, larger than previous estimates for the species. Distribution of females and localized fluctuations in density of males influenced home-range size of males. Home-range size was not related to number of females defended or to body mass of males. Several males made excursions from their home ranges, perhaps to locate additional mates. These results indicate that male marmots behaviorally respond to the density and distribution of females.

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