Individual differentiation of habitat preferences indicate high flexibility in habitat use by European bison (Bison bonasus)

Abstract

A typical challenge in studies on habitat selection is the creation of a global model at a population level. We focus upon an aspect frequently neglected in studies on habitat preferences - individual variability resulting from the ecological plasticity of a species. We studied European bison (wisent) Bison bonasus, inhabiting Białowieska Forest (north-eastern Poland), using data from GPS collars fitted on 11 individuals observed during 12–48 months, and demonstrated that habitat selection patterns in this population are highly variable. Even seasonal changes in habitat preference did not mitigate individual variability - during the same months, particular individuals of the same sex preferred certain habitats which were avoided by others. Therefore, even with fuzzy analysis, it was not possible to create clear rules for predicting habitat preferences for a given individual; only general patterns can be specified for seasonal avoidance of some habitats, rather than their positive selection. Hence, flexibility in habitat selection should be considered in planning the reintroduction of this species into new sites because it could considerably enhance the assumed available spectrum of suitable habitats. Moreover, since the natural dispersion of animals is not limited to forest complexes, new challenges for conservation as well as new limiting factors resulting from social conflicts could appear which should be taken into account in conservation planning, especially in agricultural areas.