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Habitat-specific and movement-related behavioral studies are essential for the development of sustainable biodiversity management practices. Although the number of studies on sika deer is increasing, habitat utilization distribution (UD)-related studies remain limited. In this study, we investigated the habitat UD behavior of sika deer (Cervus nippon) using a literature survey and an experimental study on Suncheon Bonghwasan Mountain, South Korea. We reviewed home range-related literature on sika deer published between 1982 and 2019 in order to assess their estimation methods, study region, and research background. We observed that the number of studies on sika deer has increased. The minimum convex polygon (MCP) has been utilized the most to estimate habitat UD, followed by the kernel density (KD), the Brownian bridge model, and a combination of these methods. The average home ranges (95 % utilization distribution) of sika deer from the literature survey were 236.99 ha and 1183.96 ha using the minimum convex polygon and kernel density approaches, respectively. The five female deer in our experimental study on Suncheon Bonghwasan Mountain had a mean home range of 66.831 ± 15.241 ha using the MCP approach and 78.324 ± 20.82 ha using the KD approach. The UD behavior of sika deer explored in this research is expected to benefit future scholars and policymakers when formulating deer management and wildlife conservation strategies.

Motivation: Home range is a common measure of use of space by animals because it provides ecological information that is useful for conservation applications. In macroecological studies, values are typically aggregated to species means to examine general patterns of use of space by animals. However, this ignores the environmental context in which the home range was estimated and does not account for intraspecific variation in home range size. In addition, the focus of macroecological studies on home ranges has historically been biased towards terrestrial mammals. The use of aggregated numbers and the terrestrial focus limit our ability to examine home‐range patterns across different environments, their variation in time and variation between different levels of organization. Here, we introduce HomeRange, a global database with 75,611 home‐range values across 960 different species of mammals, including terrestrial, aquatic and aerial species. Main types of variables contained: The dataset contains estimates of home ranges of mammals, species names, methodological information on data collection, method of home‐range estimation, period of data collection, study coordinates and name of location, in addition to species traits derived from the studies, such as body mass, life stage, reproductive status and locomotor habit. Spatial location and grain: The collected data are distributed globally. Across studies, the spatial accuracy varies, with the coarsest resolution being 1°. Time period and grain: The data represent information published between 1939 and 2022. Across studies, the temporal accuracy varies; some studies report start and end dates specific to the day, whereas for other studies only the month or year is reported. Major taxa and level of measurement: Mammalian species from 24 of the 27 different taxonomic orders. Home‐range estimates range from individual‐level values to population‐level averages. Software format: Data are supplied as a comma‐delimited text file (.csv) and can be loaded directly into R using the "HomeRange" R package (https://github.com/SHoeks/HomeRange). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on mortality rates and their causes in raptors and owls during the post-fledging dependency period (PFDP) and subsequent dispersal is essential for their more effective protection, including more efficient use of funds. Despite the importance of the above data, these data are not yet available for most birds of prey. The study aimed to provide and expand the knowledge in this field for saker falcon. We used satellite telemetry to monitor a total of six young birds since they left the nest boxes. All young birds survived the PFDP, but none survived to adulthood and died during the period of dispersal movements. The PFDP lasted 47 days (median value hereinafter), and the distance of individuals from the nest boxes during this period was 3.2 km (maximum distance 9 km). The area of the home range of the PFDP calculated by the 100% minimum convex polygon (MCP) method was 81 km2. During the period of dispersal movements, the monitored individuals set up five temporary settlement areas with an area of 422 km2 according to 100% MCP, where they stayed for 37 days. All individuals’ mean length of movement routes throughout the monitoring period was 3862 km. The main finding of the present study is the fact that none of the monitored individuals survived the dispersal period. At least half of them died due to human activity (electrocution, hunting), which is probably unbearable in the long term for wild populations of most animal species. This shows the need to start eliminating all types of artificial traps (e.g., electrocution, hunting, poisoning, etc.) without delay, thus helping to prevent the decline of populations of many species in the shorter or longer time horizon.

Interspecific aggression has important fitness consequences across the animal kingdom and can be especially important during species invasions, where asymmetric interactions between native and invasive species can lead to native species declines. We investigated the immediate behavioural consequences of interspecific interactions for a native species, the green anole lizard, Anolis carolinensis , after an invasion by a closely related invasive species, the Cuban brown anole, Anolis sagrei. We housed captive populations of green anoles (6 males, 6 females) in large outdoor enclosures and recorded their display behaviours (displays/min), activity levels (movements/min) and habitat use (2D and 3D home range size, perch height) for 10 days. We then introduced brown anoles and recorded the green anoles' behaviours for another 10 days, seeking differences between pre- and post-invasion behaviours. We recorded behavioural interactions between individuals (i.e. headbob and dewlap displays, chases, mating attempts, fights and copulations) throughout the study. To serve as a density control, we duplicated the experiment in a second enclosure using green anoles as 'invaders'. We performed the experiment eight times with two densities of invaders: high (4 males, 4 females) and low (2 males, 2 females). We found that green anoles have smaller two-dimensional and three-dimensional home ranges and higher average perch heights after invasions but that these changes resulted from increased population densities rather than aggression from brown anole invaders. Furthermore, although green and brown anoles did display to each other, both species preferentially interacted with conspecifics and escalated aggressive behaviours between the two species (e.g. lock-jawed fights) rarely occurred. Taken together, these findings indicate that high brown anole population densities, rather than direct interference competition, could be driving green anole displacement across the brown anole's invasive range. • Invasive brown anoles are thought to be aggressive towards native green anoles. • We 'invaded' captive populations of green anoles with brown anoles. • Changes in green anole behaviours after invasions were linked to invader density. • Green and brown anoles engaged in few escalated aggressive interactions. • High brown anole densities, not aggression, may be driving green anole declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Animal movement determines home range patterns, which in turn affect individual fitness, population dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Using temperate bats, a group of particular conservation concern, we investigated how morphological traits, habitat specialization and environmental variables affect home range sizes and daily foraging movements, using a compilation of 30 years of published bat telemetry data. Location: Northern America and Europe. Time period: 1988–2016. Major taxa studied: Bats. Methods: We compiled data on home range size and mean daily distance between roosts and foraging areas at both colony and individual levels from 166 studies of 3,129 radiotracked individuals of 49 bat species. We calculated multi‐scale habitat composition and configuration in the surrounding landscapes of the 165 studied roosts. Using mixed models, we examined the effects of habitat availability and spatial arrangement on bat movements, while accounting for body mass, aspect ratio, wing loading and habitat specialization. Results: We found a significant effect of landscape composition on home range size and mean daily distance at both colony and individual levels. On average, home ranges were up to 42% smaller in the most habitat‐diversified landscapes while mean daily distances were up to 30% shorter in the most forested landscapes. Bat home range size significantly increased with body mass, wing aspect ratio and wing loading, and decreased with habitat specialization. Main conclusions: Promoting bat movements through the landscape surrounding roosts at large spatial scales is crucial for bat conservation. Forest loss and overall landscape homogenization lead temperate bats to fly further to meet their ecological requirements, by increasing home range sizes and daily foraging distances. Both processes might be more detrimental for smaller, habitat‐specialized bats, less able to travel increasingly longer distances to meet their diverse needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of rarely encountered species is notoriously difficult mainly because of the lack of information about their natural history. This is definitely the case for the spot-tailed earless lizards (Holbrookia lacerata and H. subcaudalis). Sparse distributional records and infrequent observations at known sites were used as evidence to petition these species for protection under the Endangered Species Act. For this study, we did surveys in historic and new areas to determine the current distribution of both species. We also radio-tracked individuals from two populations to estimate movement potential and home range sizes, as well as understand habitat use. Distribution surveys indicate that H. lacerata has undergone range contraction (39%); however, H. subcaudalis was historically found in 21 counties but we only observed them in five. We found home ranges to be relatively large compared to similarly sized insectivores and at least four times larger than the similar H. maculata. Both species are inhabitants of historic grasslands, but within this habitat type they used sites that were more open compared to what was available, including areas such as row-crop agriculture and frequently mowed fields. Frequent habitat disturbance seems to be important for both species. Urbanisation, invasive woody vegetation and invasive grasses are all considered threats that may have already caused declines to both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elephant populations are in decline across the African continent, but recent aerial surveys show that populations in Uganda are increasing. However, threats such as poaching and habitat disturbance remain. Having a comprehensive knowledge of the ranging behaviour of Ugandan elephants is crucial to understanding where critical habitat for the species occurs. We investigated various aspects of ranging behaviour of 45 radio‐collared elephants (Loxodonta africana) in three areas—Queen Elizabeth Protected Area (QEPA), Murchison Falls (MFPA) Protected Area and Kidepo Valley (KVCA) Conservation Area. We also set Ugandan analyses in a continental context by comparison with home ranges reported in published literature. Elephants within KVCA had larger core ranges than elephants in QEPA or MFPA. Wet season ranges in KVCA were much larger than dry season ranges. The most important core areas in all three national parks were centred around water resources. Home range size was negatively correlated with net primary productivity (NPP) at Ugandan (N = 39 individuals) and continental (N = 17 sites) scales. This study indicates that, at a local scale, factors such as water source location are important in shaping elephant ranging behaviour. At larger scales, factors such as NPP are good predictors of elephant home range size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stag beetle, Lucanus cervus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), is a flagship species for the conservation of European old-growth forests. Despite its popularity and many studies conducted, the lack of knowledge of its habits and ecological requirements leads to difficulties in locating the species in the field and to provide information for suitable planning conservation actions suitable for the species., In order to gather information on dispersal ability and space use, a radio-telemetry study was conducted in a relict floodplain forest surrounded by intensively cultivated land. During 2014 and 2015, from May to July, 55 beetles (34 males, 21 females) were radio-tagged, and 9 of these (7 males, 2 females) were telemetered immediately after the emergence from their development sites, by means of emergence traps., The use of radio-telemetry allowed to detect the oviposition sites and to study the first part of the adult life, when they resulted to be more active. Males were more prone to disperse than females but the home range size did not differ between the sexes. Dividing the season in three intervals, the most active individuals were recorded during the first and the second ones (first and second half of June). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on African sand cats Felis margarita margarita was collected in the southern provinces of Morocco between December 2015 and December 2019. Within these four years, a total of 47 sand cats were observed, 41 were captured and 22 were fitted with VHF radio-collars and tracked over various time spans. Home-range size estimations were calculated for 10 adult sand cats with more than 30 independent fixes. Home-range mean sizes averaged 274.6 ± 394.8 km2 (95% Minimum Convex Polygon ± SD) and 291.9 ± 417 km2 (95% Kernel Density Estimation ± SD) for females (N = 3; 149 locations) to 319.3 ± 451.8 km2 (95% MCP) and 304.5 ± 375.7 km2 (95% KDE) for males (N = 7; 311 locations). Given the number of sand cats observed in the study area and the external good conditions of all 41 captured cats, who showed no wounds, very few scars and no tooth breakage, we hypothesise that the sand cats are tolerant of each other and likely non-territorial. Our understanding of their ecology remains however limited and their social organization and mating pattern almost unknown. Important future research should focus on diet, overlying social organization and relatedness of sand cats, in relation with environmental conditions and anthropogenic factors. • 22 sand cats were fitted and tracked with very high frequency VHF radio-collars. • Reliable home-range estimates were obtained for 7 males and 3 females. • Sand cats are using much larger than previously reported home-ranges. • They are making large exploratory movements and are tolerant of each other. • Local environmental and climatic factors may drive population dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telemetry based on Global Positioning Systems (GPS) makes possible to gather large quantities of information in a very fine scale and work with species that were impossible to study in the past. When working with GPS telemetry, the option of storing data on board could be more desirable than the sole satellite transmitted data, due to the increase in the amount of locations available for analysis. Nonetheless, the uncertainty in the retrieving of the collar unit makes satellite-transmitted technologies something to take into account. Therefore, differences between store-on-board (SoB) and satellite-transmitted (IT) data sets need to be considered. Differences between SoB and IT data collected from two lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), were explored by means of the calculation of home range areas by three different methods: the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP), the Fixed Kernel Density Estimator (KDE) and the Brownian Bridges (BB). Results showed that SoB and IT data sets for the same individual were similar, with fix ranging from 63 % to 85 % respectively, and 16 m to 17 m horizontal errors. Depending on the total number of locations available for each individual, the home ranges estimated showed differences between 2.7 % and 79.3 %, for the 50 % probability contour and between 9.9 % and 61.8 % for the 95 % probability contour. These differences imply variations in the spatial coincidence of the estimated home ranges. We concluded that the use of IT data is not a good option for the estimation of home range areas if the collar settings have not been designed specifically for this use. Nonetheless, geographical representations of the IT based estimators could be of great help to identify areas of use, besides its assistance to locate the collar for its retrieval at the end of the field season and as a proximate backup when collars disappear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed the home ranges of a community ofDarevskiarock lizards composed of a bisexual species (D. valentini), two parthenogens (D. armeniacaandD. unisexualis), and two backcross forms between bisexual and unisexual forms. We estimated home range areas of ink-marked, GPS-located lizards using Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and 95% of the locations for those individuals with five or more sightings. The bisexualD. valentiniwas the species with the largest home ranges, distances travelled, and the most intersections. No differences between unisexual species and backcrosses were recorded for any comparison. In males, home range size and perimeter were related to morphological characteristics. Contrary to what has been described in allopatry, unisexual species showed smaller home ranges and fewer overlaps than sympatric bisexual species. We tentatively suggest that the presence of potential bisexual partners might increase sexual competition among parthenogenetic females while differences in habitat use should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With data from GPS collars, we analyzed the behavioral characteristics of the endangered long-tailed goral (n=10) in three locations (Seoraksan and Woraksan National Park, and the Uljin area), from March 2007 to May 2014. We found significant differences in the seasonal home range size of females, but not in males. Additionally, females significantly differed in their habitat altitudes depending on the season, with higher altitude habitats used in the summer and lower altitude habitats used in the winter. Males also exhibited this pattern, but it was not significant. Thus, males' seasonal home range was largest in summer and the smallest in spring, but females' home range was largest in spring and autumn and smallest in summer and winter. In monthly home range, male's home range was largest in October to November during their mating season, the size of female's home range dramatically decreased in May, June, July due to giving birth. In habitat characteristics, seasonal and monthly use of altitude was highest in summer and lowest in winter for both of males and females. So, we found that there were differences in seasonal and monthly habitat use for both of males and females. Our findings will contribute to a better understanding of long-tailed goral restoration ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pale foxes (Vulpes pallida) have a widespread distribution across the Saharan-Sahel in northern Africa, but little is known about their ecology and natural history. Here, we provide the 1st ecological information on the species. We captured and radio-collared 10 pale foxes in the Termit & Tin Toumma National Nature and Cultural Reserve of east Niger. The adult body mass (1.20 ± SD 0.18 kg, n = 6) was about half of what was previously reported, confirming this species as one of the smallest canids in the world. Body measurements were relatively similar between sexes, suggesting little if any sexual dimorphism. Mean ± SD home range size (n = 6) was 6.79 ± 3.58 km2 using 100% minimum convex polygon and 5.62 ± 3.11 km2 using 95% fixed kernel density estimator. Overlap between adjacent pale fox ranges was generally low (mean overlap index = 0.11 ± 0.22), with nearly exclusive core areas (mean overlap index = 0.02 ± 0.06), suggesting pale foxes are territorial. Overall, the spatial ecology of pale foxes showed similar characteristics to other Vulpes species, especially those inhabiting arid and semiarid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used radiotelemetry to study space use and habitat selection of 16 Northern Spotted Owls ( Strix occidentalis caurina) on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains, Washington, U.S.A., in 1989-1990. We used a geographical information system (GIS) and aerial photo interpretation of digital orthophotos to assign owl locations a value for vegetation type, topographic position, amount of edge, and distance to water. We compared owl relocations and random locations within 95% fixed kernel (FK) home ranges to determine each owl's selection of cover types, using logistic regression and generalized estimating equations (GEE) to estimate an exponential resource selection function likelihood. Minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges (SE) averaged 2858 ha (712 ha) for males and 1883 ha (249 ha) for females. Individual 95% FK home ranges averaged 1980 ha (229 ha) for males and 1649 ha (163 ha) for females. Pair home ranges averaged 3419 ha (826 ha) for MCP and 2427 ha (243 ha) for 95% FK. Nonbreeding season home ranges averaged approximately 3.5 times larger than breeding season home ranges for both males and females. Our best habitat model indicated that owls selected closed-canopy forests with a component of large (≥50 cm dbh) trees for roosting and foraging. In a given cover type, owls foraged lower on the slope. Management circles centered on nest areas-commonly used as a surrogate for home ranges-can be relatively poor representations of actual ranges used by pairs. However, an alternative for managing Spotted Owl home ranges is not readily available. Maintaining sufficient closed-canopy forest to provide habitat for Spotted Owls in the dry, fire-prone forests on the eastern slope of the Washington Cascades will be a challenge because forestry methods used to reduce the risk or severity of fire generally reduce the prevalence of structural features that characterize good Spotted Owl habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying animals' home ranges is a key problem in ecology and has important conservation and wildlife management applications. Kernel density estimation (KDE) is a workhorse technique for range delineation problems that is both statistically efficient and nonparametric. KDE assumes that the data are independent and identically distributed (IID). However, animal tracking data, which are routinely used as inputs to KDEs, are inherently autocorrelated and violate this key assumption. As we demonstrate, using realistically autocorrelated data in conventional KDEs results in grossly underestimated home ranges. We further show that the performance of conventional KDEs actually degrades as data quality improves, because autocorrelation strength increases as movement paths become more finely resolved. To remedy these flaws with the traditional KDE method, we derive an autocorrelated KDE (AKDE) from first principles to use autocorrelated data, making it perfectly suited for movement data sets. We illustrate the vastly improved performance of AKDE using analytical arguments, relocation data from Mongolian gazelles, and simulations based upon the gazelle's observed movement process. By yielding better minimum area estimates for threatened wildlife populations, we believe that future widespread use of AKDE will have significant impact on ecology and conservation biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statisticians frequently voice concern that their interactions with applied researchers start only after data have been collected. The same can be said for our experience with home-range studies. Too often, conversations about home range begin with questions concerning estimation methods, smoothing parameters, or the nature of autocorrelation. More productive efforts start by asking good (and interesting) research questions; once these questions are defined, it becomes possible to ask how various design and analysis strategies influence one's ability to answer these questions. With this process in mind, we address key sample-design and data-analysis issues related to the topic of home range. The impact of choosing a particular home-range estimator (e.g., minimum convex polygon, kernel density estimator, or local convex hull) will be question dependent, and for some problems other movement or use-based metrics (e.g., mean step lengths or time spent in particular areas) may be worthy of consideration. Thus, we argue the need for more question-driven and focused research and for clearly distinguishing the biological concept of an animal's home range from the statistical quantities one uses to investigate this concept. For comparative studies, it is important to standardize sampling regimes and estimation methods as much as possible, and to pay close attention to missing data issues. More attention should also be given to temporally changing space-use patterns, with biologically meaningful time periods (e.g., life-history stages) used to define sampling periods. Last, we argue the need for closer connections between theoretical and empirical researchers. Advances in ecological theory, and its application to natural resources management, will require carefully designed research studies to test theoretical predictions from more mechanistic modeling approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within a species, home-range size can vary due to factors such as sex, mass, age, and breeding condition of individuals as well as habitat type, food availability, population density, and season. The objectives of this study were to estimate home ranges of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in sage-steppe habitat and to test the hypothesis that several factors (sex, mass, reproductive status, and seasonality) affect home-range size. We also tested the hypothesis that deer mice exhibit home-range fidelity over time. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) technology was used to estimate home ranges in June and September 2006. Home-range estimates varied from 360 m2 to 5868 m2 (65 individuals, 753 observations). Home-range size increased by approximately 60% from June to September. Besides seasonality, none of the other predictors of home range were informative in explaining the variation in home range. Deer mice recaptured in September (3 months after initial capture) had high fidelity in home-range use (42.1% [SE = 8.4%] overlap with 74.1% [SE = 8.7%] area conserved; n = 9). All animals for which home range was estimated in both seasons retained some fraction of their June home range in September. Results support the use of combined location data collected over long periods, such as weeks or months, to estimate home range for deer mice. The results have implications for deer mouse-pathogen ecology, particularly with respect to modeling transmission of Sin Nombre virus-a pathogen that is directly transmitted by deer mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GIS assumes an increasingly prominent role in niche modelling, particularly for those applications that either predict a species'' niche or estimate the environmental factors that determine a species'' distribution. The use of GIS to model population-level distributions has received considerably less attention. We developed a Monte Carlo method designed to test for statistical associations between population distribution and different types of spatial data. This method examines the spatial distribution between species presence points and distance to key vegetation, comparing the association for the observed data to that of a random data set. Poison frogs (genus Dendrobates) display a diverse array of complex parental care strategies, which are linked by an elaborate network of interactions between ecological and social factors. Territorial species vary significantly in their associated reproductive strategies, reproductive resources and size. Species with higher levels of cooperation in parental care have been hypothesized to be more strongly territorial. Here we investigate differences in spatial use patterns between two species of poison frogs, D. imitator and D. variabilis, that differ in parental care type (uniparental male care versus biparental care, respectively). We predicted that: (1) D. imitator would be more closely associated with phytotelmata than would D. variabilis; (2) home ranges of D. imitator pairs would be more inclusive and overlap more than those of D. variabilis pairs; (3) D. imitator pairs would maintain smaller home ranges than D. variabilis pairs; (4) D. imitator pairs would maintain spatially exclusive home ranges. Our results strongly support the prediction that differences in parental care of these two species are reflected in their spatial habitat use, particularly with regard to pool fidelity, territoriality, and home range size and overlap. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Home-range estimators are commonly tested with simulated animal locational data in the laboratory before the estimators are used in practice. Although kernel density estimation (KDE) has performed well as a home-range estimator for simulated data, several recent studies have reported its poor performance when used with data collected in the field. This difference may be because KDE and other home-range estimators are generally tested with simulated point locations that follow known statistical distributions, such as bivariate normal mixtures, which may not represent well the space-use patterns of all wildlife species. We used simulated animal locational data of 5 point pattern shapes that represent a range of wildlife utilization distributions to test 4 methods of home-range estimation: 1) KDE with reference bandwidths, 2) KDE with least-squares cross-validation, 3) KDE with plug-in bandwidths, and 4) minimum convex polygon (MCP). For the point patterns we simulated, MCP tended to produce more accurate area estimates than KDE methods. However, MCP estimates were markedly unstable, with bias varying widely with both sample size and point pattern shape. The KDE methods performed best for concave distributions, which are similar to bivariate normal mixtures, but still overestimated home ranges by about 40-50% even in the best cases. For convex, linear, perforated, and disjoint point patterns, KDE methods overestimated home-range sizes by 50-300%, depending on sample size and method of bandwidth selection. These results indicate that KDE does not produce home-range estimates that are as accurate as the literature suggests, and we recommend exploring other techniques of home-range estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manner in which space is utilized by animals is influenced by several factors, including habitat quality and the distribution and abundance of resources. We used 4 years (2000-2003) of radiotelemetry data to investigate the space-use pattern of female Florida black bears (Ursus americanus floridanus) in the Ocala National Forest and an adjacent residential community of Lynne, north-central Florida. Annual home-range size (95% fixed kernel density estimator) ranged from 3.8 km² to 126.9 km², and averaged (± SE) 24.2 ± 3.55 km². Home ranges were largest during 2000 when a drought led to a forest-wide mast failure, suggesting that abundance of food resources can substantially influence space-use pattern. Home-range sizes during autumn (19.92 ± 4.59 km²) were substantially larger than during summer (8.26 ± 0.99 km²). Although annual home-range size did not differ between the 2 study sites, home ranges in summer were smaller in Lynne (5.30 ± 1.01 km²) than in Ocala National Forest (9.82 ± 1.29 km²), whereas home ranges in autumn were twice as large in Lynne (35.76 ± 13.91 km²) as in Ocala National Forest (13.24 ± 1.80 km²). We suggest that site-specific differences in the size of seasonal home range are due to differences in habitat characteristics and the degree of habitat fragmentation between the 2 study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: I undertook a behavioral study to determine red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) home-range size at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, USA. In this location, because much of the timber was harvested in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the available habitat largely consisted of younger trees (e.g., less than 45 years old), not generally considered prime habitat for this species. From 1992 to 1995, I observed seven groups of red-cockaded woodpeckers to determine year-round home-range size. Most of the previous home-range studies on this species used the minimum convex polygon approach to estimate the size of the home range. I compared the minimum convex polygon and fixed kernel home-range estimation methods for each group. I found that the fixed kernel method gave consistently smaller estimates of home range than did the minimum convex polygon, a result directly related to the methodologies of the techniques. Mean home-range sizes for the 95% level were 56.9±5.2S.E.ha with the fixed kernel versus 91.9±11.7S.E.ha with the minimum convex polygon. Core area (50%) means were 4.5±0.5S.E.ha for the fixed kernel versus 16.7±2.4S.E.ha with the minimum convex polygon. It is recommended that future home-range studies use the fixed kernel estimator rather than the minimum convex polygon as it gives a more realistic and appropriate depiction of the area actually used by the birds within a given group. In estimating the number of groups that may be accommodated in a particular area, the mean home-range size as well as its shape need to be considered. Home-range size estimates at the Savannah River Site were similar to those obtained elsewhere in the species’ range. Red-cockaded woodpeckers, in spite of the prevalence of relatively young forest structure, did not increase their home-range size to compensate for the paucity of older, more mature pine habitat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Movements, ranging behavior, and social organization of the rice field rat (Rattus argentiventer) were studied by radiotracking in a rice field in West Java, Indonesia. Home ranges were estimated by the minimum convex polygon method and were found to be significantly larger in the nonbreeding season than in the breeding season. During the breeding season, males had larger home ranges than did females (3.20-3.24 ha, as compared to 2.51-2.34 ha), but no sexual differences were found in the nonbreeding season. Overlap between home ranges occurred during the breeding season, especially for males. During the nonbreeding season, rats appeared to be nomadic, and nests seemed to be distributed at random within ranges. Males and females were never found to share nests during the nonbreeding season. Habitat use was investigated by recording percentage occupancy of the following habitat elements: rice paddies, banks, and vegetation. Totals of 63% and 60% of radiofixes were made in paddies during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Paddies were probably used for feeding, nest construction, and protection from predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The manner in which space is used by animals may influence several aspects of biology, including the pattern of resource use and intra-specific competition. We monitored 16 radio-collared female black bears (Ursus americanus) for 9,216 radio days during 1993–1995 in the White River National Wildlife Refuge (WRNWR), Arkansas, U.S.A. to investigate space use patterns. Annual home ranges (95% convex polygon) ranged from 2.10 to 11.34 km2 with a mean (± SD) size of 4.90 (± 2.09) km2 (n = 16). Largest home ranges were occupied by 2 females with yearlings during one year of study. Home ranges among neighbouring bears overlapped considerably. Although bears maintained larger home ranges during summer, the size of home range did not differ among seasons (P > 0.50). Our estimates of home range size for female black bears were smaller than those obtained in a study of the same population during 1979–1982. Because the size of the bear population at WRNWR was substantially smaller (about 130 bears) during 1979–1982 compared to the present population of ?348 bears, these results suggested that population density and size of female black bear home ranges may be negatively correlated. Conservation implications of density-dependent space use pattern are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary 1.Long-tailed tits Aegithalos caudatus L. are cooperative breeders in which breeders that have failed in their own breeding attempt become helpers at the nest of relatives. We investigated the effects of kinship on the spatial dynamics of non-breeding flocks of long-tailed tits in order to determine the information available on the kinship of other members of the population from their use of home ranges. 2.A novel method of home range analysis was devised based on ‘convex hull peeling’. This method takes into account the dispersion of all fixes within a home range and permits the quantitative analysis of home range use. In addition, the method allows the extent of overlap between adjacent home ranges to be determined and the use of those areas to be investigated. 3.Non-breeding flocks of long-tailed tits were composed mainly of relatives, but also included unrelated immigrants. Flock ranges were large and there was extensive overlap between adjacent flocks. 4.The degree of range overlap was significantly affected by the relatedness of flocks. If two flocks contained close relatives they were more likely to overlap than two flocks containing non-relatives. Moreover, the amount of overlap was significantly greater for two adjacent related flocks than for two adjacent unrelated flocks. 5.The use of overlapping areas of non-breeding ranges of long-tailed tit flocks was also influenced significantly by relatedness. Overlapping flocks that were unrelated to each other usually avoided areas of overlap, while related flocks did not generally show such avoidance behaviour. 6.Kinship has significant effects on the spatial dynamics of non-breeding flocks of long-tailed tits and therefore flock behaviour can provide information on the relatedness of other members of the population that might be important for helping decisions in this cooperatively breeding species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract There is a paucity of data on the movement patterns of feral cats in Australia. Such data can be used to refine control strategies and improve track-based methods of monitoring populations of feral cats. In this study the home ranges and movements of male feral cats were examined over 3.5 years in a semiarid woodland environment in central Australia. Two home range estimators were used in the examination: (i) minimum convex polygon (MCP); and (ii) fixed kernel. The most widely used method of estimating home range in feral cats is MCP, while the fixed kernel method can be used to identify core areas within a home range. On the basis of the MCP method, the long-term home ranges of feral cats in central Australia were much larger than those recorded elsewhere (mean, 2210.5 ha). Twenty-four hour home ranges were much smaller (mean, 249.7 ha) and feral cats periodically shifted their 24 h ranges within the bounds of their long-term home ranges. Core area analysis indicated marked heterogeneity of space use by male feral cats. Several instances where feral cats moved large distances (up to 34 km) were recorded. These long distance movements may have been caused by nutritional stress. Using data from the literature, it is shown that prey availability is a primary determinant of long-term home range size in feral cats. The relevance of the results to the design of management strategies for feral cats in central Australia is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patterns of home range overlap between individuals are key parameters used in discussions of sociality in nocturnal prosimians. Despite the importance of space use variables in defining social structure in nocturnal prosimians, researchers have yet to reach a consensus concerning the most reliable techniques for measuring patterns of home range use. In this paper, we review the methods used in 27 studies of nocturnal prosimian ranging behavior published since 1977. We discuss the usefulness and limitations of the various methods of data collection (radio tracking, trap mark, and identification of sleeping site locations) and data analysis (minimum convex polygon method, minimum concave polygon method, and quadrat analysis) used in these studies. We conclude that the most effective method for gathering data on individual movements and social interactions is direct observation of individual radio tagged animals during all-night follows. In those cases where radio tracking and/or all-night follows are not possible, trap mark techniques can be used, although they tend to greatly underestimate home range size. We recommend that data collected on nocturnal prosimian ranging behavior be analyzed using the minimum convex polygon method, quadrat analysis, and, perhaps, one other of the more mathematically sophisticated techniques popular in studies of non-primate mammals. Finally, we urge researchers to employ standardized methods of data collection and data analysis in future studies of range use in nocturnal prosimians. Without standardization of methods, quantitative comparisons of the findings from different studies are biologically meaningless and prevent cross-species comparisons of space use and its relation to sociality. Am. J. Primatol. 51:3–19, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to clarify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on home range. The home range is the area that individuals traverse in conducting their daily activities, such as working and shopping. In Japan, the central government declared the first state of emergency in April 2020. This study analyzed the panel data for mobile phone GPS location history from April 2019 to April 2020 in Ibaraki City, Osaka Metropolitan area. The study applied the minimum convex polygon method to analyze the data. The results show that the home range decreased significantly between April 2019 and April 2020. Specifically, the home range in 2020 decreased to approximately 50% of that in 2019 because of COVID-19 infection control measures, preventing people from traveling far from their homes and only allowing them to step outside for the bare minimum of daily activities and necessities. The results suggest that the emergency reduced people's home ranges to the neighborhood scale. Therefore, it is necessary to consider designing new walkable neighborhood environments after the COVID-19 pandemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying animals' home ranges is a key problem in ecology and has important conservation and wildlife management applications. Kernel density estimation (KDE) is a workhorse technique for range delineation problems that is both statistically efficient and nonparametric. KDE assumes that the data are independent and identically distributed (IID). However, animal tracking data, which are routinely used as inputs to KDEs, are inherently autocorrelated and violate this key assumption. As we demonstrate, using realistically autocorrelated data in conventional KDEs results in grossly underestimated home ranges. We further show that the performance of conventional KDEs actually degrades as data quality improves, because autocorrelation strength increases as movement paths become more finely resolved. To remedy these flaws with the traditional KDE method, we derive an autocorrelated KDE (AKDE) from first principles to use autocorrelated data, making it perfectly suited for movement data sets. We illustrate the vastly improved performance of AKDE using analytical arguments, relocation data from Mongolian gazelles, and simulations based upon the gazelle's observed movement process. By yielding better minimum area estimates for threatened wildlife populations, we believe that future widespread use of AKDE will have significant impact on ecology and conservation biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]