An integrated assessment of niche partitioning reveals mechanisms of coexistence between mesocarnivores

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 54, P. e03116 - e03116

Published: July 29, 2024

Species diversity depends on the capacity of species to coexist, and when these share similar ecological requirements some degree partitioning niche is expected. Within order Carnivora, direct indirect interspecific interactions shape community structure composition. Although strong negative (e.g., killing) are expected between large carnivores subordinate species, mesocarnivores that dominate most human disturbed landscapes can still strongly compete for resources given their body size energy requirements. To identify mechanisms coexistence mesocarnivore in a Mediterranean landscape we assessed overlap five (Vulpes vulpes, Meles meles, Martes foina, Herpestes ichneumon, Genetta genetta), by simultaneously measuring space, time, trophic resource use. The multi-species occupancy model fit camera-trapping data revealed spatial co-occurrence species' pairs an avoidance pattern only stone marten Eurasian badger (78 % probability effect). Using genetically identified scats, breadth overlap. Niche was narrow red fox, badger, marten, consumed almost exclusively fruits arthropods, so high. For genet mongoose, consumption different food mammals, birds, reptiles) increased decreased with other sympatric species. Finally, segregation more significant along temporal axis, since mongoose has diurnal activity remaining carnivore although mostly nocturnal, had small asynchronies peaks which could decrease chance encounters. Therefore, our results suggest habitat preferences rather than competition mesocarnivores' use this landscape. Nonetheless, fine-scale seems main mechanism facilitate coexistence, together differences use, especially high

Language: Английский

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Habitat use of European badger in a mountainous landscape

Mammalian Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 5, 2025

Language: Английский

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Dog in sheep’s clothing: livestock depredation by free-ranging dogs may pose new challenges to wolf conservation

European Journal of Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 69(6)

Published: Oct. 6, 2023

Abstract Livestock depredation is a common cause of human-carnivore conflicts. In Portugal, free-ranging dogs are increasingly abundant and overlap endangered Iberian wolf territories, with reports livestock depredation. However, the lack awareness about dogs’ possible role as predators leads to bias against wolves in cases damages. Our goal was assess compare dog’s diet composition at southern range offer insights on predatory its implications for conservation an subpopulation. We assessed from 107 95 genetically confirmed dog scats, respectively, complemented analysis data 40 attacks successful genetic predator assignment. Scat highlighted goats most consumed prey all analysed regions, lagomorphs, small mammals, wild boars second each region, respectively. Wolves mainly relied west, whereas central region they mostly fed birds. The dietary between both canids very high (Pianka’s index O = 0.93), showing potential competition. Additionally, we found that were sole detected (62%). findings highlight livestock, possibly also species, posing further challenge conservation. Alongside adequate husbandry practices, emphasise need stronger enforcement legislation ownership effective management stray population reduce human-wolf conflict.

Language: Английский

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Moderate anthropogenic impacts alter temporal niche without affecting spatial distribution of ocelots in the Amazon rainforest

Biotropica, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 56(4)

Published: May 30, 2024

Abstract The Amazon rainforest faces escalating human disturbances such as logging, mining, agriculture, and urbanization, leading to the conversion of primary forest into matrix habitat. This transformation's impact on mesocarnivores, specifically ocelots ( Leopardus pardalis ), is still largely unknown. In 2021, we deployed camera traps across a 174 km 2 study area in Las Piedras, Madre de Dios, Peru, containing mixed land use protected forests. Utilizing kernel density functions, compared temporal activity patterns employed spatially explicit capture‐recapture (SECR) models assess density, encounter probability, movement by habitat trail type, well sex. Of 293 captures, identified 39 (21 females, 18 males), estimating an average 31.46 (SE 5.15) individuals per 100 with no significant difference between mixed‐use areas. Baseline detection varied sex, male female home ranges estimated at 17.14 4.10 , respectively. Ocelot differed area, increased nocturnality areas higher impact. Our SECR results highlight that habitats can support ocelot populations, emphasizing need for further research demographics human‐modified facing varying degrees anthropogenic disturbance. Spanish available online material.

Language: Английский

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Can Eucalyptus plantations influence the distribution range of mesocarnivores?

Landscape Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 13, 2023

Abstract Context The expansion of exotic plantations can impose conservation challenges on wildlife, and the Iberian Peninsula has one widest planted areas Eucalyptus sp. in Europe. Since mesocarnivores are pivotal elements ecosystems’ functioning have been modifying Portuguese landscape context last half century, it is crucial to understand how these systems may affect carnivores’ range. Objectives We aim identify drivers five mesocarnivores’ distribution Portugal (e.g., land-cover, ecogeographic predictors, mammal prey availability) influence their Methods Using generalized linear models, we modelled range mesocarnivores. initial dataset was randomly split for model training validation, multicollinearity between predictors tested. Then, examined potential relationship area predicted probability presence each species. Results detected species-specific patterns explained by different drivers, including climatic, land cover related ones. Furthermore, plantations, occurrence most lower: red fox,stone marten,European badger, Egyptian mongoose. Conclusions Managers must take action adapt management promote native forest patches within plantation, allow development some understory stands, improve this plantation’s permeability This will increase spatial heterogeneity enhance resource availability, reducing constraints that might Portugal.

Language: Английский

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Host‐, Environment‐, or Human‐Related Effects Drive Interspecies Interactions in an Animal Tuberculosis Multi‐Host Community Depending on the Host and Season

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2024(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

In many Mediterranean ecosystems, animal tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis , is maintained multi‐host communities in which cattle and different wildlife species establish interaction networks contributing to M. transmission persistence. Most studies have addressed wildlife–cattle disease‐relevant interactions, focusing on reservoir hosts, while disregarding the potential contribution of so‐called accidental hosts and/or neglecting wildlife–wildlife interactions. this work, we aimed characterise interspecies interactions an endemic TB risk area identify ecological drivers patterns regardless pre‐attributed role host epidemiology. For that purpose, spatial–temporal indirect between mammals cattle, species, were investigated through camera trapping. Second, five hypotheses potentially driving pair wet dry seasons tested covering water control sites: human presence (H1), landscape composition (H2), topography (H3), weather (H4), natural food resources (H5). Wild boar ( Sus scrofa ), red deer Cervus elaphus fox Vulpes vulpes ) mostly involved We found more frequent than and, for certain pairs, rates higher season both groups. Natural (H5) was most supported hypothesis influenced abundance with positive effects during negative season. contrast, mainly disturbance exerted variable Other also depending species. These results highlight thus conditions favouring shared environments, are determined backgrounds.

Language: Английский

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Determinants of Small Mammals’ Body Condition in Eucalyptus Dominated Landscapes

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 16(1), P. 128 - 128

Published: Dec. 22, 2023

The timber industry has increased considerably in recent decades to meet human needs for wood. In Portugal, Eucalyptus plantations are the most common use of forested land, presenting largest coverage globulus Europe. Although it is established that this landscape can affect biodiversity patterns, not clear what its role shaping small mammals’ body condition is. Here, we tested effect on condition, together with vegetation structure, weather, predators/competitors’ abundance, and parasites’ prevalence, using Scaled Mass Index (SMI) as a surrogate. Capture mammals took place 11 study areas central Portugal from 2019 2022. drivers’ influence was structural equation models (SEM). response species-specific, Crocidura russula displaying better individual native habitats (i.e., there an indirect negative plantations). overall model suggested deer precipitation, forest integrity promoted higher levels, while wild boar abundance had adverse effect. management these must ensure remnants patches control highly abundant competitors (e.g., boar) maintain healthy functional mammal community.

Language: Английский

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Assessing the role of habitat, climate, and anthropization gradients on terrestrial mammal diversity in the western Mediterranean basin

Integrative Zoology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 14, 2024

Abstract Mammal species globally exhibit distribution patterns conditioned by environmental conditions and human impact. The Mediterranean basin provides an ideal system to study these effects due its diverse climate, habitat conditions. In this work, we aim assess the impact of landscape heterogeneity anthropization degree on terrestrial mammal diversity in region. Accordingly, deployed over 300 camera traps across 28 sites for 3 months. Detected (weighing more than 1kg) were classified as domestic carnivores, ungulates, wild lagomorphs, large rodents. Alpha beta calculated each group all mammals. Simple linear regressions multimodal analysis conducted between diversities conditions, heterogeneity, variables. Redundancy analyses performed identify variables determining mammalian community composition. Indexes measuring degree, 30‐year change did not correlate with diversity. However, difference elevation within carnivore abundance showed a significant positive correlation some indexes. Nonetheless, rainfall mean factors generally highest Instead, few influential species, including generalists open‐habitat specialists, highlighted importance conserving open areas, well Pyrenees region key certain species. Therefore, climatic emerged determinants diversity, highlighting climate potential threat area.

Language: Английский

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Different environmental contexts, different responses: Evaluating the drivers of red fox occupancy patterns in Portugal

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 15, 2024

Identifying the drivers and ecological mechanisms that shape species occupancy patterns at large scales is decisive in understanding how respond to environmental changes. In this study, we compiled camera trapping data from different scientific projects monitoring programs conduct first assessment of relevant red fox (Vulpes vulpes) national level Portugal. Here, using single-species/single-season models, target two regions with contexts - north south River Tagus. Our results show change depending on context. northern region (more mountainous densely forested), were mostly shaped by direct human-associated disturbance, positively associated dogs’ relative abundance index. On other hand, southern (plain areas dominated agroforestry systems), variation was best explained habitat characteristics, foxes showing a higher probability occupying greater diversity. Considering these results, conclude fox’s generalist character highlighted its capacity adopt strategies context: use more humanized areas, along free-ranging dogs, Northern region, diversified resources Southern region. Therefore, our study reinforces fox's highly adaptive character, adding crucial information tailor management conservation actions regional

Language: Английский

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Red fox home ranges, activity patterns, and resource selection on an Atlantic barrier island

Journal of Wildlife Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 9, 2024

Abstract Relatively little is known about red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) spatial ecology on barrier islands, where semi‐linear habitat distribution and aquatic barriers may affect terrestrial movements. Because foxes often are a predator of imperiled shorebirds in these ecosystems, predation managed along with other factors such as limitation, this information needed to inform effective holistic management. The goals study were describe island ecosystem compare findings the existing literature space use coastal settings. We used global positioning system (GPS) collar data collected from 2015–2018 31 estimate sizes home ranges core‐use areas, daily activity patterns, investigate within‐home‐range resource selection among Fire Island, New York, USA. Twenty‐two maintained distinct throughout monitoring period, while 9 transient, regularly traveling through management units across island. Observed GPS‐collared range (95% time local convex hull [t‐LoCoH] isopleths) ranged 10 ha 659 ha, averaging 59 ± 7 (SE) resident 447 46 transient foxes. Core‐use areas (50% t‐LoCoH <1 268 1 67 27 Hourly minimum movement rates varied diel cycle individuals, 216 m/hour m/hour, highest 13–22 hours after sunrise. Within‐home‐range periods. For example, selected closer than expected vegetation based availability during daytime twilight but farther at night. recommend around shorebird nesting reduce resting sites hunting cover for improving suitability by shorebirds. also suggest coordination activities agencies situation others predators cross unit boundaries. Overall, we found that many aspects area, smaller average compared those similar settings; additional research determine whether holds true systems.

Language: Английский

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