Home-range size and exploratory excursions of adult, male yellow-bellied marmots [Taille du domaine vital et excursions exploratoires des mâles adultes des marmottes à ventre jaune].

Résumé

Home-range sizes of adult, male yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) were estimated from radio-telemetry, 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.