What is the Difference Between Home Range and Territory in Mammals?

The difference between home range and territory in mammals lies in the extent of the area and the behavior associated with it.

• Home Range: This is the area in which an animal or a group of animals normally lives and travels in search of food. Home ranges are not actively defended and may overlap with those of other species. They can vary in size depending on the density of resources, population density, competition with other species, and the animal's position in the social hierarchy. Home ranges may also change over time as animals move from one area to another.
• Territory: A territory is a self-defined area that an animal or a group of animals marks and defends. Territories are used for various purposes such as mating, nesting, roosting, or feeding. They are smaller than home ranges and provide resources for the strongest population or individual, ensuring the passing of better genes to the next generation. Territories can be marked using various techniques such as urination, defecation, scratching trees, or using scent glands or vocal effects. Dominant groups or individuals typically have larger territories compared to submissive ones.

In summary, home ranges are larger areas where animals live and search for food, while territories are smaller, defended areas that serve specific purposes. Home ranges are not associated with aggressive behavior, whereas territories involve marking and defense.

Comparative Table: Home Range vs Territory in Mammals

Here is a table comparing the differences between home range and territory in mammals:

Home range refers to the total area inhabited by a particular species or group, while territory is a smaller, self-defined area marked by specific techniques. The home range is usually larger than the territory, and it is maintained and protected differently, with home range protection focusing on the needs of the species and territory protection directed towards conspecifics. Evolutionarily, changes in home range size can indicate changes in species sustainability, while the territory is more focused on promoting the survival of the strongest individuals.