Fidelity and breeding probability related to population density and individual quality in black brent geese Branta bernicla nigricans

• Published in: The Journal of animal ecology Vol. 77; no. 4; pp. 702 - 712
• Main Authors: Sedinger, J. S., Chelgren, N. D., Ward, D. H., Lindberg, M. S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-07-2008; British Ecological Society; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; Blackwell
• Subjects: Age Factors; Animal and plant ecology; Animal ecology; Animal migration; Animal Migration - physiology; Animal populations; Animal reproduction; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Birds; Branta bernicla nigricans; Breeding; breeding propensity; Breeding seasons; Breeding sites; brent goose; Covariance; Demecology; dispersal; Ecological modeling; Ecology; Ecosystem; Emigration; Female; Female animals; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Geese; Geese - physiology; General aspects; individual quality; Life Histories; Male; Mating Preference, Animal - physiology; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Reproduction - physiology; robust design; Sexual Behavior, Animal - physiology; Survival Analysis; temporary emigration; Wildlife ecology; individual quality; Fidelity; Branta bernicla; breeding propensity; Emigration; temporary emigration; dispersal; Animal migration; Anatidae; Dispersion; Vertebrata; Reproduction; Temporary; Quality; robust design; Population dynamics; brent goose; Aves; Population density
• ISSN: 0021-8790; 1365-2656
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2008.01403.x

1. Patterns of temporary emigration (associated with non-breeding) are important components of variation in individual quality. Permanent emigration from the natal area has important implications for both individual fitness and local population dynamics. 2. We estimated both permanent and temporary emigration of black brent geese (Branta bernicla nigricans Lawrence) from the Tutakoke River colony, using observations of marked brent geese on breeding and wintering areas, and recoveries of ringed individuals by hunters. We used the likelihood developed by Lindberg, Kendall , Hines & Anderson 2001 (Combining band recovery data and Pollock's robust design to model temporary and permanent emigration. Biometrics, 57, 273-281) to assess hypotheses and estimate parameters. 3. Temporary emigration (the converse of breeding) varied among age classes up to age 5, and differed between individuals that bred in the previous years vs. those that did not. Consistent with the hypothesis of variation in individual quality, individuals with a higher probability of breeding in one year also had a higher probability of breeding the next year. 4. Natal fidelity of females ranged from 0·70 ± 0·07-0·96 ± 0·18 and averaged 0·83. In contrast to Lindberg et al. (1998 ), we did not detect a relationship between fidelity and local population density. Natal fidelity was negatively correlated with first-year survival, suggesting that competition among individuals of the same age for breeding territories influenced dispersal. Once females nested at the Tutakoke River, colony breeding fidelity was 1·0. 5. Our analyses show substantial variation in individual quality associated with fitness, which other analyses suggest is strongly influenced by early environment. Our analyses also suggest substantial interchange among breeding colonies of brent geese, as first shown by Lindberg et al. (1998 ).