Natal dispersal and philopatry in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) in relation to population density, season, and natal social environment

Abstract

We used intensive livetrapping to examine natal dispersal and philopatry in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). The majority of male (70.0%) and female prairie voles (75.1%) remained at the natal nest until death. Those males and females that did disperse left home at about the same age (45-55 days) and moved similar distances (28 33 m). Dispersal was more common (1) from small natal groups than from large natal groups, (2) following disappearance of parents, (3) during the breeding period than during the nonbreeding period, and (4) at low population densities than at high densities. Dispersal was not associated with level of competition for mates within natal groups, and dispersers did not differ from nondispersers in body weight. Our data do not support competition for mates or resources as important factors influencing natal dispersal in prairie voles. The absence of sex differences in dispersal tendency or distance, and our finding that more than half of dispersers had become reproductive before leaving the natal nest, lead us to suggest that inbreeding avoidance is not a primary function of dispersal in this species. Dispersal was, however, more common when potential mates within the natal group were relatives than when they were nonrelatives. Although not tested here, if family members avoid mating with one another through patterns of mate choice, then some animals may leave home in search of mates. The precise benefits associated with philopatry in prairie voles remain to be identified.

Proximate causes of natal dispersal in female yellow-bellied marmots, Marmota flaviventris

“…On the other hand, larger individuals are more likely to be successful emigrants and should disperse, an expectation supported by results for Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi; Nunes et al 1998). However, for most species studied, including yellow-bellied marmots, body mass was unrelated to dispersal (Gregory and Cameron 1988, Wiggett and Boag 1992b, McGuire et al 1993, Ferreras et al 2004, Sharpe 2005.…”

“…Tests of this hypothesis in other species are few and produced mixed results. Dispersal in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) was more likely when an opposite-sex adult relative was present (McGuire et al 1993). Female gray-sided voles (Clethrionomys rufocanus) were more likely to disperse from male-biased litters (Ims 1990).…”

The effects of stress on social preferences are sexually dimorphic in prairie voles.

“…Under stressful conditions in nature (i.e., high population density), it may be disadvantageous for young females to leave their natal family and form a new pair bond; female prairie voles may reproduce without leaving the natal nest, probably by mating with nonfamily members (4)(5)(6)30). In contrast, sexually active male prairie voles become highly aggressive toward other males (6) and may be too agonistic to remain at the natal nest (6).…”

Intergenerational transmission of sociality: the role of parents in shaping social behavior in monogamous and non-monogamous species

“…In the field, dispersal from the natal nest is also variable, with up to 70-75% of offspring remaining in the natal nest and serving as non-reproductive alloparents to future offspring of the breeding pair (Getz and McGuire, 1997;McGuire et al, 1993). As with other social behaviors discussed previously, dispersal rates may be influenced by early experience.…”