Pace, Space, and Place: Seasonal movement and space use of fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox) in western Madagascar

Abstract

This study investigates the seasonal movement dynamics and space use of the fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), an apex predator endemic to Madagascar, within the fragmented tropical dry forests of the island’s western region. Given the pronounced seasonality of the region and the fosa's unique mating behavior, we analyzed GPS-tracked movements to determine how space use varies across wet, dry, and breeding seasons. We focused on movement persistence, home range estimation, and seasonal home range overlap, incorporating sex and seasonal variables to understand spatial strategies of the fosa. Results indicated that male home ranges expanded significantly during the breeding season, correlating with increased movement persistence likely driven by mate-seeking behavior. While we hypothesized that resource availability would influence space use, we observed minimal seasonal differences in home range size between wet and dry seasons, possibly due to dietary shifts that mitigate dry season resource scarcity. Overlap analyses revealed range fidelity across individuals, highlighting the consistent use of key areas despite moderate seasonal shifts. These findings underscore the fosa's spatial stability and adaptability within a fragmented landscape, providing critical insights into habitat needs and informing conservation strategies.

This study investigates the seasonal movement dynamics and space use of the fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), an apex predator endemic to Madagascar, within the fragmented tropical dry forests of the island’s western region. Given the pronounced seasonality of the region and the fosa's unique mating behavior, we analyzed GPS-tracked movements to determine how space use varies across wet, dry, and breeding seasons. We focused on movement persistence, home range estimation, and seasonal home range overlap, incorporating sex and seasonal variables to understand spatial strategies of the fosa. Results indicated that male home ranges expanded significantly during the breeding season, correlating with increased movement persistence likely driven by mate-seeking behavior. While we hypothesized that resource availability would influence space use, we observed minimal seasonal differences in home range size between wet and dry seasons, possibly due to dietary shifts that mitigate dry season resource scarcity. Overlap analyses revealed range fidelity across individuals, highlighting the consistent use of key areas despite moderate seasonal shifts. These findings underscore the fosa's spatial stability and adaptability within a fragmented landscape, providing critical insights into habitat needs and informing conservation strategies.