Causes and consequences of group dominance in social-territorial species: A study of eastern wolves (Canis lycaon) in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada

Previous studies of intergroup competition in social-territorial species have largely focused on short-term responses to simulated intruders, and have failed to consider the effects of prolonged competition with multiple neighbours. We formulated a conceptual model predicting both the causes and consequences of intergroup competition, and validated it using data from a population of eastern wolves (Canis lycaon) in Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada. We monitored space use and movement patterns for 17 packs between 2005 and 2007, and further investigated how these were influenced by the presence and size of surrounding groups. A body of largely anecdotal evidence suggests group size is a strong indicator of competitive ability in social species. Our results show that larger packs spent more time in peripheral territory areas and were more likely to intrude into neighbouring territories, showing they were less averse to the higher risk of intergroup encounters in these areas. Habitat quality, as indicated by prey density was the strongest predictor of group size. Numeric superiority was associated with greater access to both on- and off-territory resources, and allowed more pups to remain within the pack for longer time periods. The larger body size and hunting experience associated with delayed dispersal may have led to greater survival and breeding success post-dispersal; thus, competitive ability may have consequences for lifetime reproductive success. Results support our conceptual model but its broader applicability should be validated using other populations and social-territorial species.;KEYWORDS: intergroup competition, numeric advantage, group dominance, social, territorial, migration, intrusion, eastern wolves, Canis lycaon, hybridization...