On Territoriality in Ungulates and an Evolutionary Model

The behavioral characteristics of territorial ungulates are reviewed and compared with non-territorial species in terms of social distribution, spatial dispersion, and interaction patterns. Territoriality is related proximally to dominance and ultimately to mating exhancement. Alternative male mating strategies are categorized. Selective gains are estimated by the potential mating enhancement factor (PMEF) and costs by reduced chances of survival. The likely lifetime mating enhancement (LLME) resulting from territorial versus roving/rank dominance strategies are calculated for model populations. Ecological conditions favoring territoriality are discussed, and a comparison is made with territorial systems in other animal groups. There is a need for more empirical data.