Where do the babies in the wild go when they grow up: The BUSH NUGGET
When the young of mammal species that are not sociable mature, they’re usually pressured by their parents to leave their natal herd, pride, or pack, mention them, simply because there are not enough resources to sustain them all in one area.
Any permanent movement away from the natal territory or home range is referred to as *emigration*. The situation changes for the young of sociable animals, where the females, at least (in most cases), are allowed to stay. In contrast, the males are chased away when they mature because they’re a threat to the dominant male’s mating opportunities.
In prey animals, sociability is probably a result of the need for safety, whereas in *predators* it is generally to improve hunting success and defence. It is usually true, therefore, that individual survival chances are enhanced by being part of the larger numbers. This particular rate of survival continues to improve as numbers in the group steadily increase.
There comes a time, however, when the benefit to each member starts to taper off as the number of members increases. Benefits then ultimately cease, and each individual actually starts to experience strain or suffering as numbers increase (mortality increases as there’s competition for resources)
Instead of animals just dying like that (miserably) at this point, the herd, pride, or pack then either breaks into stable sub-units that split and merge as conditions fluctuate (sometimes the case) or younger individuals leave to seek breeding opportunities.
This can be of their own accord, or they can be pushed out. Males usually emigrate, with one of the main benefits of emigration being the prevention of inbreeding. However, in some cases, females will emigrate (e.g. African painted dogs and dwarf mongoose).
Emigration in societies where one male dominates several females also reduces the overall mortality (death) of young males. *They would rather flee than stay and get killed or injured by dominant males*.
Have a great day, guides, consultants, rangers, tourism enthusiasts and tour operators.