In 1970 the authors compared the behavior of two low-density populations of blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) with the behavior of a high-density population on Vancouver Island. They then introduced individuals from these populations onto four islands and compared the behavior of these founders in 1971 and 1972.One island received founders from all three populations, while the other three islands each received founders from a single population. Birds from two low-density populations were quite observable, and displayed frequently when approached by field workers, both at their capture sites on Vancouver Island and in different habitats on the release sites on islands. The high-density population was much less observable, and displayed less frequently than did the two low-density populations, both at the capture sites and on the release islands. Male founders from the low-density populations were more aggressive in interacting with their mirror image than were males from the high-density population. Male founders from the high-density population dispersed less from the release sites, had smaller territories, and settled closer together than did males from the two low-density populations. These findings are consistent with the view that animals have a form of behavior that spaces them out as numbers rise, and so prevents unlimited increase in numbers.
Genetic and spatial structuring of the California vole (Microtus californicus) through a multiannual density peak and decline