Citation
Long-term Wolf Territorial Studies
TL;DR
Territory size scales with pack size but intrusions scale faster
Long-term territorial studies providing data on wolf pack territory scaling, intrusion frequency, and defense costs. The logarithmic scaling problem (doubling pack size allows 2.3× larger territory but intrusions increase 2.85×) demonstrates the perimeter problem central to the chapter's analysis.
Mech's finding that large packs hit ceiling around 15 members where defensive costs exceed hunting benefits provides empirical support for the business recommendation to reduce territory when defense becomes unsustainable.
Key Findings from Mech (1999)
- Territory size scales with pack size but intrusions scale faster
- Defense cost per wolf increases 32% as pack size doubles
- Large packs hit ceiling around 15 members
- Territory splits into smaller territories when defensive costs exceed benefits