The Lesser Kestrel: Natal Dispersal In Compliance With The MRW Model
![Image](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSC9pqWKh1b-ZX4AMi8jlJE_ApaSicxTSsmHOrN39O8XMJchR01Z51eMVERk1b-8HYMyQjy5pW6ytL4iPcdguuw8FOFlih5FvU1BjtrO-KEntY_ZrRmBpqhHD6xkv-bSAj6thIMEHq-TQ/s640/Alcaide-2009-lesser-kestrell-LOG-LOG.jpg)
The Multi-scaled random walk (MRW) model defines a specific dispersal kernel for animal movement; a power law, which is qualitatively different from standard theory (a negative exponential function). Alcaide et al. (2009) analyzed long-term ringing programmes of the lesser kestrel Falco naumanni in Western Europe, and showed results from re-encounters of 1308 marked individuals in Spain. They found that most first-time breeders settled within 10 km from their natal colony (i.e., a strong philopatric tendency), with a negative association between natal dispersal and geographical distance. While Alcaide et al . (2009) were mainly concerned with gene flow and population effects, here I take a deeper look at their dispersal data and find strong support for MRW-compliant behaviour in the natal dispersal data. Indirectly, this pattern at the individual level also supports the MRW-analogue at the population level, the Zoomer model (Gautestad 2015). I allow myself to copy their Figure 1, s