DISPERSAL PATTERNS OF CORSICAN MOUFLON EWES - IMPORTANCE OF AGE AND PROXIMATE INFLUENCES

The dispersal patterns of radio-collared Corsican mouflon (Ovis musimon) ewes inhabiting a low Mediterranean massif in the south of France were followed. Despite spatial instability being more marked in winter and spring, females (n = 17) remained on a single home range. The changes in spatial behaviour which appeared in March did not seem to be linked solely to ecological parameters. The use of the spring range was particularly noticeable among the different seasonal ranges since it was characterised by long-distance movements (n = 16, x = 740 +/- 320 m) and the large overall area used (x = 330 +/- 90 ha). The age of individuals had an important influence on space use. With increasing age, spatial patterns became more firmly fixed, which appeared to be linked to a better understanding of the different ecological and social contexts occurring in the population. Some characteristics of spatial behaviour may create certain management difficulties in the introduction or reintroduction of the species. Age and season seem to have a strong effect on the organization of spatial patterns. Managers and hunters should therefore consider the implications of the age of individuals and thus their stage of development, and also of the season, to guide management decisions. For example, disturbance of young individuals must be strictly limited, particularly during the spring and the rut which appear to be important periods in the organization of spatial behaviour patterns.