SREL Reprint #3722

Reproduction drives changes in space use and habitat selection in a highly adaptable invasive mammal

Sarah M. Chinn1,2, Jeffrey Hepinstall-Cymerman2, and James C. Beasley1,2

1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina 29803, USA
2Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA

Abstract: For ungulates, it is not well understood how the interaction between habitat and reproduction affects movement behavior, space use, and habitat selection. We used known parturition (farrowing) data to validate First Passage Time (FPT) movement analysis to identify wild pig (Sus scrofa) parturition events from data collected with GPS collars. We examined home range and habitat selection during three physiologically distinct time periods in the reproductive cycle: late-gestation; farrowing; and neonate-care period. Sows exhibited a behavioral change 1-2 days prior to farrowing, suggesting FPT analysis can reliably identify parturition events for wide-ranging species that have a focused birthing area. Home range was smallest during the farrowing period, likely reflective of nest building, parturition, and protection of neonates. Home range size during the neonate-care period was intermediate between the late-gestation and farrowing periods, indicative of offspring care that may restrict maternal movement. Across all periods, sows avoided developed areas that have sparse canopy and ground cover and are associated with human activities. During late-gestation, sows avoided pine forests that have an open understory and less vegetative cover. During late-gestation and neonate-care, sows selected bottomland hardwood forests, habitat associated with ample food, cover, and water. During farrowing and neonate-care periods, sows selected upland hardwood forests, habitat with high quality food and cover for neonates. The physiological requirements of reproduction drive female habitat selection and spatial scale of movement patterns associated with parturition. Our study contributes to delineation of the appropriate scale at which to analyze movement data to provide insight about where individuals chose to place their home range, how much space to use, and how they use resources on the landscape to maximize reproductive success and fitness.

Keywords: autocorrelated kernel density estimation, farrowing, First Passage Time analysis, habitat selection, movement ecology, Sus scrofa, wild pig

SREL Reprint #3722

Chinn, S. M., J. Hepinstall-Cymerman, and J. C. Beasley. 2023. Reproduction drives changes in space use and habitat selection in a highly adaptable invasive mammal. Journal of Mammalogy 104(3): 479-495.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).