How an introduced ungulate moves: spatial behaviour of aoudads in Mediterranean mountains

Animal movement is a key trait shaping species management strategies. Ungulate spatial behaviour varies with ecological conditions and can drive human-wildlife conflicts, necessitating appropriate management. The African aoudad (Ammotragus lervia), introduced to the Iberian Peninsula, has expanded its range and caused such conflicts. This study characterises the spatial behaviour of ten GPS-tracked aoudads in Sierra Espuña by analysing daily distances travelled, home ranges (kernel polygons of 50% and 95% probability, representing the likelihood of finding the tracked individual within those areas), their overlap, and tree-cover selection. Mean daily distance travelled was 1.7 ± 0.9 km, with females covering longer distances than males. Mean daily K95 was 1.2 ± 3.8 km2 and K50 was 0.3 ± 0.9 km2, both showing seasonal variation. Home-range overlap was higher for K95 than for K50. Most locations occurred in areas with 50-75% tree cover, although tree-cover selection varied across seasons and times of day. Movement patterns varied by season and sex, with females adjusting their movements throughout the year, possibly in response to reproductive demands. Aoudads preferred areas with high tree cover, particularly in summer, likely as thermal refuges. These findings highlight the importance of spatial ecology for guiding management amid increasing human-wildlife conflicts and climate warming.