Spacing Strategy in Stoat Mustela erminea

Abstract

Distribution and dispersal were examined by capture-recapture (362 captures of 105 individuals), snow-tracking and telemetry (15 individuals). Dominance and agonistic behaviour were observed in experiments. The population occurred in four different areas, with restricted interchange of individuals. In autumn, spacing-out systems were established of local groups of stoats. Resident males and females excluded other members of their own sex from their terriories. The females that hunted more than the males in small rodent tunnels, often exploited a restricted part of a male's territory. Adult males dominated females and juvenile males which occupied areas outside the adults' territories. The young females usually settled in their native areas and remained there throughout life. This was predicted as a favourable tactics. Juvenile males too generally remained in their native areas in autumn and winter, but moved extensively in spring. Increased locomotory activity in males at that time was directed to mating and maintaining territories. Some males established themselves in areas including breeding females, other males behaved as transients. Experiments indicated scent marking to be important in territorial defence, as were visual and acoustic signals in close contacts. After settlement defence was largely performed in connection with foraging.