Space use and social ecology of coyotes (Canis latrans) in a high-elevation ecosystem: relative stability in a changing environment

Abstract

Coyote (Canis latrans) spatial and social ecology are variable, but have been little studied in high-elevation environments. In these temperate ecosystems, large ungulates are prevalent and coyote pack size may be large in order for them to scavenge and defend ungulate carcasses from conspecifics in neighboring packs. We initiated a study to understand the spatial and social ecology of coyotes on the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a high-elevation (2450-3400 m) protected area in northern New Mexico. Our objectives were to (1) describe the home range size and habitat use of coyotes in the preserve, (2) describe coyote movements within and outside of packs, and (3) to evaluate the relationship between coyote social cohesion and the amount of elk (Cervus elaphus) in the coyote diet. We acquired global positioning system and telemetry locations from 33 coyotes from August 2005 to July 2009. We classified 23 coyotes (70 % of individuals) as residents (i.e., territorial) during at least part of the study and ten coyotes (30 %) as transients. Overall mean home range size of resident packs was 10.6 ± 2.2 (SD) km 2 . Home range size varied between packs, but did not vary by season or year. Coyotes used dry and wet meadow habitats as expected based on availability; coyotes used riparian habitat more than expected, and forests less than expected. Social cohesion did not vary among biological seasons. Alpha coyotes were more socially cohesive with each other than with other pack members, and a transient exhibited temporal-spatial avoidance of pack members while inside the pack's territory followed by integration into the pack. Contrary to expectations, we found no relationship between coyote social cohesion and the proportion of elk in coyote diets. We concluded that coyote space use and sociality on the preserve were relatively stable year-round despite changes in biological needs, snow depth, and utilization of variously sized prey.

Fine‐scale movements and behaviors of coyotes (Canis latrans) during their reproductive period

“…Increased variability observed in transient movements may have resulted from extensive movements associated with long‐distance dispersal (Hinton et al., 2012) and shifting space use (Hinton et al., 2015). Previous studies have reported temporal and spatially consistent patterns in both space use and movements of resident coyotes throughout their annual cycle (Gifford et al., 2017; Hinton et al., 2015; Young et al., 2006). Conversely, transiency is characterized by nomadic movements where transient individuals may avoid residents while also searching the landscape for vacant territories (Hinton et al., 2015; Morin & Kelly, 2017).…”

“…and shifting space use (Hinton et al, 2015). Previous studies have reported temporal and spatially consistent patterns in both space use and movements of resident coyotes throughout their annual cycle (Gifford et al, 2017;Hinton et al, 2015;Young et al, 2006).…”

Mesopredator frugivory has no effect on seed viability and emergence under experimental conditions

“…2003, Gifford et al. 2017). All of these factors combined suggest that coyotes can provide more regular long‐distance dispersal opportunities than other sympatric seed dispersers that may offer more irregular but longer distance dispersal (Escribano‐Avila et al.…”

“…Although the two species that require cold stratification never emerged, C. ehrenbergiana seeds had no reduction in total emergence for any gut passage duration. Coyotes can regularly travel 7 km or more in 24 h (Young et al 2006) and even average 0.94 km/h of net displacement (Kitchen et al 2000) within home ranges of between 10 and 16 km 2 (Chamberlain et al 2000, Gosselink et al 2003, Gifford et al 2017. All of these factors combined suggest that coyotes can provide more regular long-distance dispersal opportunities than other sympatric seed dispersers that may offer more irregular but longer distance dispersal (Escribano-Avila et al 2014).…”

Food Habits of Coyotes (Canis Latrans) in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico

“…DISCUSSION-Elk was an important food item and, as with rodents, we detected it in coyote scats during all months of the study. At the time of our study, coyote persecution had recently ceased (in 2000), so coyotes may have shifted their activity patterns (Kitchen et al, 2000) and habitat use to overlap more with elk diurnal use of open meadow habitats (Gifford et al, 2017). Based on our field observations, coyote consumption of elk calves resulted from a combination of predation and scavenging.…”