Differential sorting of individuals in territorial species affects apparent habitat quality. Issue 6 (5th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Loehle, Craig
• Is Part Of: Journal of wildlife management. Volume 77:Issue 6(2013)
• Page Start: 1166
• Page End: 1169
• Publication Date: 2013-06-05
• Subjects: Wildlife management -- Periodicals; Zoology -- Periodicals; 333.954
• DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.574
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-541X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="jwmg574-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>Territoriality leads to non‐random sorting of individuals into habitats of differing quality. This can affect empirical estimates of population growth rate (λ), a measure of habitat quality, such that habitat‐specific λ varies with population size. I present a simple model of territorial behavior in which territory acquisition depends on age and individual vigor. Under this model, with a low initial population, the λ associated with the best habitat stays constant until all territories are full. At that point, as less competitive individuals move to secondary habitat, the λ value in the better habitat increases. Similarly, as secondary habitat becomes occupied by individuals of successively greater vigor, λ can switch from a sink (λ &lt; 1) to a source (λ &gt; 1). This means that habitat quality is not a fixed quantity but results from an interaction of the characteristics of the habitat with competitive sorting of individuals. If all individuals are in a good habitat, its conservation value will be underestimated and likewise the value of secondary habitat may not be properly assessed. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.</p> </sec> </abstract>