Justin Gagnon
Project
Rut-Induced Hypophagia in Male Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus): Effects of Age, Herd Composition, Social Rank, and Rut Timing on Activity BudgetsThe main objective of this study is to determine whether male reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in Finland exhibit rutting-induced hypophagia, following the pattern of reduced foraging time already observed in other polygamous ungulates. Second, we aim to assess whether this reduction varies by males’ age, herd composition (sex ratio; juvenile males only, adult males only, or a mix), and males’ social rank. Finally, we assess whether rut timing influences the temporal distribution of activities across the pre-rut, rut, and post-rut periods. The data come from a long-term, semi-experimental reindeer breeding program (1996–2020) at the Kaamanen Reindeer Research Station in Finland, where researchers have manipulated males' age structure and the sex ratio over the years.
