Limited spatiotemporal niche partitioning among mesocarnivores in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Competition drives community composition and structure in many ecosystems. Spatial temporal niche partitioning, which competing species divide the environment space or time, are mechanisms that may allow for coexistence among ecologically similar species. Such division of resources be especially important carnivores African savannas, support diverse carnivore assemblages. We used camera traps to explore patterns spatial partitioning four mesocarnivore Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park: large-spotted genet (

Language: Английский

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Lion lords and sharing hyaenas: Carnivore guild dynamics around elephant carcasses

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(5)

Published: May 1, 2024

Abstract Megaherbivore carcasses represent sporadic but energetically rewarding resources for carnivores, offering a unique opportunity to study coexistence dynamics between facultative scavengers. South African fenced protected areas, such as Madikwe Game Reserve (Madikwe hereafter), host viable populations of large carnivores and high densities elephants, Loxodonta africana . However, carnivore can lead potentially fatal interspecific encounters increased competition, particularly around high‐quality trophic resources. This explores the temporal partitioning co‐detection strategies at six elephant in Madikwe, aiming understand how carrion biomass available influences dynamics. Camera traps were deployed monitor during two periods (2019 2020), revealing occurrences species. Carnivores, black‐backed jackals, Lupulella mesomelas , (hereafter jackal), lions, Panthera leo spotted hyaenas, Crocuta crocuta comprised 56.7% carcass observations, highlighting their pivotal roles scavenging Pairwise analysis demonstrated consistent association shared peak activity jackals indicating potential resource sharing. minimal rates lions other highlight domination. There was some evidence with most species exhibiting earlier peaks nocturnal avoid overlap lions. emphasises importance diet multiple techniques utilised exploit this ephemeral resource. As areas become crucial conserving intact guilds globally, further research into behavioural adaptations is recommended shed light on strategies.

Language: Английский

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Terrestrial mesopredators did not increase after top-predator removal in a large-scale experimental test of mesopredator release theory

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Sept. 14, 2021

Abstract Removal or loss of top-predators has been predicted to cause cascading negative effects for ecosystems, including mesopredator release. However, reliable evidence these processes in terrestrial systems mixed and equivocal due, large part, the systemic continued use low-inference study designs investigate this issue. Even previous large-scale manipulative experiments strong inferential value have limited by experimental design features (i.e. failure prevent migration between treatments) that constrain possible inferences about presence absence release effects. Here, we build on strong-inference report outcomes additional eradicate Australian dingoes from two fenced areas where dingo was restricted theory would predict an increase extant European red foxes, feral cats goannas. We demonstrate removal suppression undetectable levels over 4–5 years with no corresponding increases relative abundances, which remained low stable throughout experiment at both sites. further widespread relationships predators, indicating mechanism underpinning releases not present. Our results are consistent all long-term mensurative studies collectively (1) do suppress goannas population level, (2) repeated, temporary open does create effects, (3) sustained closed either. add similar reports North America, Asia, Europe southern Africa indicate only is there a processes, but also continually growing body many systems. conclude although sympatric predators may interact negatively each other smaller spatiotemporal scales, interactions always scale-up nor they enough

Language: Английский

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Leopard and spotted hyena densities in the Lake Mburo National Park, southwestern Uganda

PeerJ, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 10, P. e12307 - e12307

Published: Jan. 27, 2022

Robust measures of animal densities are necessary for effective wildlife management. Leopards ( Panthera pardus ) and spotted hyenas Crocuta higher order predators that data deficient across much their East African range in Uganda, excepting one peer-reviewed study on hyenas, there presently no credible population estimates these species. A lack information the status even baseline species has ramifications as leopards drawcards photo-tourism industry, along with often responsible livestock depredations from pastoralist communities. also sometimes hunted sport. Establishing density is urgently needed not only monitoring purposes, but design sustainable management offtakes, assessing certain conservation interventions like financial compensation depredation. Accordingly, we ran a single-season survey carnivores Lake Mburo National Park south-western Uganda using 60 remote camera traps distributed paired format at 30 locations. We analysed hyena leopard detections under Bayesian spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) modelling framework to estimate densities. This small national park (370 km 2 surrounded by Bahima communities high cattle edge (with regular incursions). Leopard were estimated 6.31 individuals/100 (posterior SD = 1.47, 95% CI [3.75–9.20]), 10.99 , wide confidence intervals 3.35, [5.63–17.37]). abundance within boundaries 24.87 7.78) 39.07 individuals 13.51) respectively. middle end SECR studies published literature over last 5 years while some first reported SECR, similar Botswana which 11.80 hyenas/100 . Densities noticeably lower edge, southwest our site, despite repeated incursions into areas. postulate relatively both region could be owed impala Aepyceros melampus ranging 16.6–25.6 impala/km Another, potential explanatory variable (albeit speculative one) absence interspecific competition lions leo ), became functionally extinct (there male lion present) nearly two decades ago. provides robust anywhere suggests continue persist highly modified landscape Park.

Language: Английский

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Stuck in the mud: Persistent failure of ‘the science’ to provide reliable information on the ecological roles of Australian dingoes

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 285, P. 110234 - 110234

Published: Aug. 9, 2023

Apex predators are believed to play important roles in maintaining the structure and function of ecological systems, but actual evidence for mesopredator releases trophic cascades terrestrial systems is mixed equivocal, largely due systemic continued use weak-inference or correlative study designs investigate these hypothesised causal processes. Here we critically review experimental empirical studies examining relationships between dingoes mesopredators Australian ecosystems. We found that 83 % (30 out 36) recent lacked one more essential design elements needed assess (such as treatments controls, treatment replication, and/or randomisation), demonstrating inferential strength reliability 'the science' on this subject remains weak equivocal. Only five published last decade (N = 36), eight total since 1993 (or 11 %, N 76), were capable assessing dingoes' potential release; all consistently demonstrated do not supress initiate through release effects at a population level, independent context. Thus, there demonstrable absence dingo suppression Australia. encourage large carnivore conservation managers policymakers base their decisions strongest available science. In way, researchers will have best chance conserving valuable species into future.

Language: Английский

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Temporal partitioning and the potential for avoidance behaviour within South African carnivore communities

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(8)

Published: Aug. 1, 2023

Abstract Carnivora occupy many ecological niches fundamental to ecosystem functioning. Within this diverse order, carnivore species compete establish dominance, ensure survival and maintain fitness. Subordinate carnivores must, therefore, adapt their behaviour coexist with dominant species. One such strategy is the partitioning of temporal activity patterns. We aim determine interspecific avoidance patterns among sympatric by examining coexistence along a axis. compared 13 using multi‐seasonal camera trapping data from four protected areas across South Africa: Associated Private Nature Reserves, Madikwe Game Reserve, Mountain Zebra National Park Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Interspecific coefficients overlap in diel core periods were calculated over study period during wet dry seasons. Furthermore, spatiotemporal was examined time‐to‐event analyses. Our results showed that complete rare African Most predominantly nocturnal and, high, whereas significantly lower ( p < .001). Diel than seasons = .045). Lastly, evidence aggregation revolved around scavenging show importance seasonality behaviours while highlighting need for fine‐scaled behavioural Overall, we daily most subordinate are not influenced top‐down forces form competitional suppression risk exerted If required, it more likely manifest as periods. suggest focus on might be suitable tool research.

Language: Английский

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Not afraid of the big bad wolf: calls from large predators do not silence mesopredators

Wildlife Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2024(6)

Published: Feb. 14, 2024

Large predators are known to shape the behavior and ecology of sympatric via conflict competition, with mesopredators thought avoid large predators, while dogs suppress predator activity act as guardians human property. However, interspecific communication between has not been well‐explored this assumption avoidance may oversimplify responses species involved. We explored acoustic three closely related canids: wolves Canis lupus , coyotes latrans familiaris . These have an unbalanced triangle risk: coyotes, mesopredators, at risk from both apex‐predator human‐associated dogs, fear apex or challenge them intruders into human‐allied spaces. predicted that perception would dictate vocal response silencing well wolves. Dogs, in their protective role guarding property, respond both. Eleven passive monitoring devices were deployed across 13 nights central Wisconsin, we measured each naturally occurring heterospecific vocalizations. Against our expectation, did occur. Instead, silenced by either species: when hearing wolves, responded greater than chance rates produce fewer calls rates. Similarly, above dogs. Only followed prediction Thus, instead competitors, canid vocalizations elicit suggesting existence a complex network.

Language: Английский

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Finding a safe space: Denning range dynamics of African wild dogs in Zimbabwe

African Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 61(3), P. 561 - 572

Published: March 14, 2023

Abstract African wild dogs utilise a den for ~10–12 weeks after birthing, during which home ranges are contracted and usually in areas away from roads water sources, with low prey predator abundances, high terrain ruggedness vegetation cover. Our study Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC) investigated ecological environmental factors determine the selection of denning behaviours. Camera trap data collected four grids three random were analysed using binomial generalised linear occupancy models. Denning preferred higher kudu impala presence closer to sources. Wild may we perceive as riskier an attempt reduce energy expenditure when hunting. The detection strongly decreased lion presence, while increasing steeper slopes, cover leopard presence. Given habitat preferences, SVC could be their exposure lions, solitary leopards do not necessarily pose risk dog packs. highlights that behaviours inconsistent both within among populations, comprehensive research approaches taken understand behaviours, assisting development appropriate management/conservation strategies.

Language: Английский

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Understanding mesopredator responses to changes in apex predator populations in Europe: implications for the mesopredator release hypothesis

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 22, 2024

Abstract Conservation successes in Europe have sparked the recovery of apex predators, which may affect populations mesopredators. The mesopredator release hypothesis (MRH) predicts that a decline predators triggers ‘release’ mesopredators from suppression. We expanded MRH to include predictions inverse responses following increases predator abundance or distribution. examined European changes and evaluated extended MRH's explanatory power. results 47 studies on for supporting evidence, mixed no contrasting evidence MRH. Out 38 – pairings, 10 predominantly supported MRH, while others provided limited support. In 23 instances across 17 contradicted predictions. Initial findings suggest better pairings with intermediate large body size differences where primarily hunt. Our reveal non‐uniform changing populations. This emphasises complexity interactions, extends beyond scope is more restricted than previously thought, cautioning against overreliance as default expectation population changes.

Language: Английский

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Varying degrees of spatio-temporal partitioning among large carnivores in a fenced reserve, South Africa

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 49(5), P. 477 - 490

Published: March 30, 2022

Context The spatio-temporal partitioning of large carnivores is influenced by interspecific competition and coexistence within small, enclosed reserves. Lions (Panthera leo), spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) leopards pardus) are the three largest African have greatest potential for intra-guild competition, particularly where space limited. Aim To investigate between lions, in a small (~75 000 ha), nature reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve (Madikwe), South Africa. Methods We deployed 110 camera traps (baited n = 55 unbaited 55) across from 26 August 2019 until 6 May 2020. Von Mises kernel density plots were used to daily temporal among species. A multiple-species, single-season occupancy model was use patterns. Key results found both spatial exclusion lions on Madikwe. However, no evidence leopards, leopards. Conclusions Exploitative interference might be high enough warrant avoid negative effects competition. Contrastingly, patterns observed preclude possibility top-down control superior carnivores. Implication These findings call an adaptive management approach, carnivore prey species compositions constantly monitored. Management strategies such as these will allow conservation valuable resources (i.e. species) ensure persistence populations ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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