Daily summer movements, activity patterns, and home range of pronghorn

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Reynolds, Timothy D.

Source:

Northwest Science, Northwest Scientific Association, Volume 58, Issue 4, p.300-310 (1984)

Call Number:

A84REY02IDUS

URL:

https://research.wsulibs.wsu.edu/xmlui/handle/2376/1890

Keywords:

Antilocapra americana

Abstract:

Daily movements; activity patterns, and spatial and behavioral use of summer home ranges of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) were examined by radiotelemetry in southeastern Idaho from June through August 1980. Five pronghorn were located every 30 minutes over 16 24-hour sampling periods. Daily movements for bucks and does averaged (x̄ ± SD) 15.9 ± 4.4 and 20.4 ± 8.1 km, respectively. The size and shape of summer home ranges were estimated by the minimum area method and two grid-size analyses. Some areas within each home range were used exclusively for resting or loafing, while others were used only for feeding. Two major (0430 - 0630 and 1930 - 2230 MST) and 2 minor (0930 - 1130 and 1330 - 1630 MST) peaks of feeding activity occurred daily. Pronghorns spent approximately 30 percent of each day feeding and 65 percent resting or loafing. Rapid directional movements accounted for about 5 percent of the daily activity. With the possible exception of one, none of the study animals moved to and used open water during any of the 24-hour sampling periods.