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Résumé :
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Territory fidelity defines a process in which individuals reoccupy a territory during different reproductive periods. In this study, we used generalized linear mixed models to analyse the territory fidelity of the Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus in relation to different variables of the individual (previous breeding success, sex, mate switching and experience) and territory (average productivity in the territory). The data used refer to 86 eagles (48 females and 38 males) individually identified between 1996 and 2009 in a Special Protection Area of "Sierras de Burete, Lavia y Cambron" (Murcia, southeastern Spain). The results indicated that the breeding success in the previous year had significant effects on territory fidelity. The probability of reoccupation in cases of reproductive success in the previous year was 0.73, whereas in cases of reproductive failure, the probability of reoccupation in the following year was 0.41. Models which relate territory fidelity to biological variables of the individual (sex, mate switching and experience) and habitat quality were not significant. In conclusion, Booted Eagles show territory fidelity following the "win-stay:lose-switch" rule, which suggests that individuals are able to assess their previous reproductive experience to decide whether or not to return to the same territory the following year.
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