A comparison of coyote ecology after 25 years: 1978 versus 2003

• Published in: Canadian journal of zoology Vol. 84; no. 4; pp. 573 - 582
• Main Authors: YOUNG, J. K, ANDELT, W. F, TERLETZKY, P. A, SHIVIK, J. A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ottawa, ON National Research Council of Canada 01.04.2006; NRC Research Press; Canadian Science Publishing NRC Research Press
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal behavior; Animal ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Boundaries; Canis latrans; Changes; Comparative analysis; Coyotes; Data collection; Demecology; Ecology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Mammalia; Research centers; Vertebrata; United States; North America; Texas; America; Canada; USA, Texas; Fissipedia; Carnivora; Home range; Canis latrans; Long term; Time variation; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Animal activity; Diet; Population dynamics; Predator; Animal population; Age
• ISSN: 0008-4301; 1480-3283; 1480-3283; 0008-4301
• DOI: 10.1139/Z06-030

Most ecological studies of coyotes are of short duration and studies are generally never repeated, thus the opportunity to compare changes in coyote (Canis latrans Say, 1823) ecology over time is rare. We compared coyote home ranges, activity patterns, age, and diet at the Welder Wildlife Refuge in south Texas between 1978-1979 and 2003-2004 (25 years later). The Minta index of overlap between 1978 and 2003 home ranges was 51.7 ± 7.0 (n = 7), much greater than the Minta index value based on randomized tests (28.7 ± 8.6), indicating similar spatial patterns between time periods. The Minta index was 12.3 ± 6.2 (n = 7) for core areas, whereas the Minta index value based on randomized tests was 4.0 ± 3.0. Although overall diets were similar between 1978 and 2003, we detected some differences in prey species consumed. Activity patterns were similar between the two study periods, with peaks in movement occurring around sunrise and sunset. There was no difference in the mean age between the two populations (P = 0.44, n = 68, t^sub [66]^ = 2.00). Our findings suggest that population features, such as home-range position and age structure, are similar between extended time periods, while individual-level patterns, such as the prey species consumed and distribution of locations within a home range, are dynamic and may reflect changes in the local environment. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]