Imprinted habitat selection varies across dispersal phases in a raptor species.

ABSTRACT: Natal Habitat Preference Induction (NHPI) plays a significant role in shaping settlement decisions in dispersive animals. Despite its importance, limited research has explored how NHPI varies during natal dispersal phases and across different types of natal habitats. In this study, we examined NHPI in 77 GPS-tagged juvenile red kites (Milvus milvus) originating from different natal habitats along an elevational gradient in Switzerland. We applied individual-based step selection analysis to investigate habitat selection from independence to settlement. We found that during the prospecting phase, individuals predominantly selected habitats similar to their natal environments. However, this pattern changed in the settlement phase: individuals fledged from habitats at higher elevations or clos

SUBMITTER: Orgeret F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11535207 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature