Abstract or Keywords
1. A central topic in spatial ecology is identifying what determines animal movement patterns, including both external and internal factors. Given different sex-based selection pressures in mating and reproduction, movement patterns often vary between males and females in predictable manners, with males of polygynous species typically moving more than females to maximize mating opportunities. In female polygynous animals, selection is generally thought to favor movement patterns with smaller home ranges and high spatial site fidelity. Physiology may also constrain movement patterns in a way that can obscure sex-specific selection.
2. We used GPS loggers and physiological assays to study Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) movement patterns at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, located in Pinellas County, Florida, USA to determine how movement patterns depend on physiology (as measured by plasma lactate concentration and body condition) and movement strategy (total distance traveled, home range area, burrow use) by sex.
3. Total distance traveled was positively related to body condition and negatively related to baseline lactate concentration (which is an inverse metric of aerobic fitness). Thus, total distance traveled was physiologically constrained. Home range area and burrow use were not related to any physiological metrics.
4. There was not a significant difference in total linear distance traveled between male and female Gopher Tortoises, but males had a larger home range area. Male and female Gopher Tortoises thus used different movement strategies to maximize fitness consistent with different selection pressures by sex in a scramble competition mating system.