Foraging niche partitioning within a recently established guild of falcons DOI Creative Commons
Alessandro Berlusconi, Mauro Gobbi, Alessio Martinoli

et al.

Ibis, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 11, 2025

Ecological theory predicts that coexisting species should exhibit realized niche differentiation to minimize competition. However, little is known about patterns of when ‘newcomer’ spontaneously colonize a new region, leading novel sympatric conditions. Over the past 15 years, three closely related and ecologically similar falcon (Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus , Lesser naumanni Red‐footed Falcon vespertinus ) have expanded their ranges as result land‐use climate changes in intensively cultivated agroecosystems Po Plain (Northern Italy). This unique condition European range these provides an excellent opportunity investigate foraging trophic partitioning during initial phases sympatry. We assessed species‐specific habitat selection interspecific differences diet composition. Our findings showed falcons selected largely overlapping habitats, yet exhibited significant among regarding vegetation height, structure crop types. Overall, composition was similar, though some degree detected. In line with hypothesis, slightly partitioned niches, probably playing key role making syntopic coexistence possible. study insights into mechanisms ‘newcomers’ appear guild, process likely become increasingly relevant because rapid often uneven distributional shifts caused by global change.

Language: Английский

Foraging niche partitioning within a recently established guild of falcons DOI Creative Commons
Alessandro Berlusconi, Mauro Gobbi, Alessio Martinoli

et al.

Ibis, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 11, 2025

Ecological theory predicts that coexisting species should exhibit realized niche differentiation to minimize competition. However, little is known about patterns of when ‘newcomer’ spontaneously colonize a new region, leading novel sympatric conditions. Over the past 15 years, three closely related and ecologically similar falcon (Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus , Lesser naumanni Red‐footed Falcon vespertinus ) have expanded their ranges as result land‐use climate changes in intensively cultivated agroecosystems Po Plain (Northern Italy). This unique condition European range these provides an excellent opportunity investigate foraging trophic partitioning during initial phases sympatry. We assessed species‐specific habitat selection interspecific differences diet composition. Our findings showed falcons selected largely overlapping habitats, yet exhibited significant among regarding vegetation height, structure crop types. Overall, composition was similar, though some degree detected. In line with hypothesis, slightly partitioned niches, probably playing key role making syntopic coexistence possible. study insights into mechanisms ‘newcomers’ appear guild, process likely become increasingly relevant because rapid often uneven distributional shifts caused by global change.

Language: Английский

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