Territorial bequeathal by red squirrel mothers: A dynamic model

Abstract

Female red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) sometimes bequeath their territory to their offspring. Late-breeding females are more likely to leave than are early-breeding females. Early-breeding females tend to lose weight during reproduction while late-breeding females do not. Early-born juveniles are more successful at winning territories than are those born late. I use dynamic programming to investigate the trade-offs involved in territorial bequeathal from the female's perspective as a function of breeding date, litter size and female body condition. The model predicts that two classes of females are more likely to bequeath: those in good condition early in the season, and those in poor condition at the season's end. Only versions of the model incorporating a function improving the female's ability to win a territory over the season mimicked the pattern of bequeathal observed in the field. A seasonal effect is likely an important factor in driving the pattern of strategies observed.