Data from: genetic evidence of differential dispersal pattern in Asiatic wild dog: comparing populations with different pack size and tiger densities

Dispersal is a multi-causal, crucial life-history event in shaping the
genetic and behavioral structure of mammals. We assessed the dispersal
pattern of dholes aka Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), a social monogamous
mammal at two tiger reserves of Maharashtra with different degrees of pack
size and competition with tigers i.e. Tadoba-Andhari (TATR, smaller pack
size, higher tiger density) and Nawegaon-Nagzira (NNTR, larger pack size,
lower tiger density). We used the microsatellite data of 174 individual
genotypes (98 males and 67 females) to assess the dispersal pattern of
dholes from two populations with varying pack size, tiger density, and
landscape connectivity using gene flow as a proxy.  We compared
the population structure, pairwise F statistics, assignment index, and
relatedness across a spatial scale. Overall, the results suggested a
difference in sex-bias dispersal pattern for the two sub-populations,
exhibiting significant results for female-biased dispersal in the TATR
population with a smaller pack size and higher tiger density. Our study
highlights the variability in sex-biased dispersal patterns in two
different populations which could be the consequence of different
variables such as pack size, tiger density, and geographical scale. The
study warrants further quantitative investigation including several
factors including individual behavior, pack composition, pack size, tiger
density, etc. In the present Anthropocene era, determining the sex bias in
dispersal patterns for a short-range, pack-living carnivore will help in
devising an effective conservation management plan for their long-term
survival.