Philopatry and Dispersion in Wolf Populations (Canis lupus L.)
V. V. KOCHETKOV
Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve, 172521, Tver region, Nelidovo district
Keywords: филопатрия, дисперсия, волк, рост численности популяции, район логова, philopatry, dispersion, wolf, den area, population growth, den location
Abstract
The manifestations of philopatry and dispersion of wolves at the family level, population groups level (Central Forest Reserve) and population level (Tver region) were studied. The importance of the wolf’s den location in territorial structure formation was shown. The phylopatric behaviour of 35 wolves from seven families was analyzed. In the course of the study 32 individuals (16 adults and 16 youngsters from different families), being encircled with flags, crossed the flag line towards the den and only 3 individuals chose a different direction. Such behavior was typical for all the population groups: for young individuals born and raised in the place and for adult wolves (both resident wolves and their children who had started new families here). The role of “dispersant” wolves in 1972–1982 was emphasized: the rapid increase in the population size was caused by young individuals who had traveled short distances. Analysis of the available field data and literature shows that dispersant wolves “transfer” ecological, behavioral, spatial-functional and structural features of their families, i. e. they are the bearers of family traditions.
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