What is meant by "home range" in an ecological context?

In an ecological context, "home range" refers to the area that an animal regularly uses for its daily activities, which primarily includes accessing essential resources such as food and water. This area is not fixed and can vary in size depending on the species and environmental conditions. A home range can encompass various habitats and is crucial for the survival of the animal, as it needs to find sufficient resources to sustain itself. This definition encompasses the range within which an animal will forage, hunt, and navigate while also considering seasonal variations where resources may become more or less available.

The idea of a home range contrasts with a specific breeding area or territorial range. While breeding sites or territories might be part of a home range, the concept of home range is broader and includes all the necessary resources an animal needs to thrive throughout its daily life.