Philopatry and dispersal in the wolf population (Canis lupus L.)

Abstract

This paper studies the manifestation of philopatry and dispersal in wolves at the level of family, population group (the Central Forest Reserve), and population (Tver oblast). The importance of a den area for a wolf in the formation of the territorial structure is shown. The “philopatric” behavior of 35 wolves from seven families in a completing circle of flags is analyzed: 32 individuals (16 adult and 16 young wolves from different families) crossed flags toward a den, and only three chose a different direction. This behavior was typical for the entire population group of wolves both for young individuals born and raised in this place and for adult wolves (both resident wolves and their children who have created here new pairs and then families). Attention is focused on the role of “dispersant” wolves in 1972–1982: a rapid increase in the population was caused by internal reserves due to the dispersal of juveniles for short distances. Analysis of the available field and literature data shows that dispersers “transfer” ecological, behavioral, spatial functional, and structural features of a family; i.e., they are bearers of its traditions.