Different environmental requirements of female and male Siberian ibex, Capra sibirica.

ABSTRACT: In sexually dimorphic species, males and females may select different habitat for greater fitness. However, the key factors that play a leading role between sexes in habitat selection are still poorly understood. In this paper, we investigated the possible causes of the differences in habitat preference between male and female Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) living in the Tianshan Mountains (China). Using the Maximum entropy model, we found that the ruggedness and elevation of the terrain were the most important factors affecting habitat selection in Siberian ibex. Females preferred the most rugged terrain to increase the security of their young and themselves, while males favored moderately rugged terrain to provide sufficient safety from predators, and availability of suitable forage simu

SUBMITTER: Han L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7966747 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature