Implications of fidelity and philopatry for the population structure of female black-tailed deer

Abstract

Lay SummaryReturning to previously used areas (site fidelity) or place of birth (philopatry) are important behavioral adaptations in many species, with known fitness benefits. The combined population level consequences of site fidelity and philopatry, however, have received little attention. Based on GPS location data and mitochondrial DNA we demonstrate how high levels of fidelity and philopatric behavior in the matrilineage of black-tailed deer can lead to fine-scale population structure and discuss possible implications for population dynamics.