Dietary niche partitioning of two sympatric mesocarnivores in a cool temperate forest ecosystem: The influence of seasonal variation and apex carnivores DOI
Tianming Wang, Da Zhang, Mai Xu

et al.

Journal of Zoology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 23, 2025

Abstract Characterizing the dietary niche partitioning of sympatric mesocarnivores is fundamental for understanding their mechanisms coexistence and ecosystem function. By utilizing scat DNA metabarcoding, our study revealed a detailed picture trophic interaction between two in cool temperate forest Northeast China. Both red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) leopard cats Prionailurus bengalensis consumed diverse range prey (52 taxa from 11 orders) dominated by Rodentia (56.5–64.9%). Bipartite network analysis suggested that both predators are generalists have high degree overlap (Pianka's index = 0.77). However, diet patterns differed predators. more during snow‐free period than snow‐covered period, which resulted lower 0.43). Another important source was proportion large consumed, with consuming ungulates do throughout year regions apex carnivores, tigers Panthera tigris leopards P. pardus ). The presence carnivores provides stable carrion resources, facilitates mesocarnivores. Our clues about strategies mesocarnivores, critical within carnivore communities.

Language: Английский

Dietary niche partitioning of two sympatric mesocarnivores in a cool temperate forest ecosystem: The influence of seasonal variation and apex carnivores DOI
Tianming Wang, Da Zhang, Mai Xu

et al.

Journal of Zoology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 23, 2025

Abstract Characterizing the dietary niche partitioning of sympatric mesocarnivores is fundamental for understanding their mechanisms coexistence and ecosystem function. By utilizing scat DNA metabarcoding, our study revealed a detailed picture trophic interaction between two in cool temperate forest Northeast China. Both red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) leopard cats Prionailurus bengalensis consumed diverse range prey (52 taxa from 11 orders) dominated by Rodentia (56.5–64.9%). Bipartite network analysis suggested that both predators are generalists have high degree overlap (Pianka's index = 0.77). However, diet patterns differed predators. more during snow‐free period than snow‐covered period, which resulted lower 0.43). Another important source was proportion large consumed, with consuming ungulates do throughout year regions apex carnivores, tigers Panthera tigris leopards P. pardus ). The presence carnivores provides stable carrion resources, facilitates mesocarnivores. Our clues about strategies mesocarnivores, critical within carnivore communities.

Language: Английский

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