Temporal and spatial segregation between mammal predators and their prey in a Brazilian Conservation Unit (PARNASO)

Abstract

Time and space are niche dimensions that allow local coexistence of predators and their prey. Daily activity patterns are a crucial component of mammalian ecology and behavior, and temporal avoidance is often being regarded as the most important mechanism of coexistence among species. However, temporal overlap alone does not define the vulnerability of the prey or the preference of the predator, since there must also be spatial segregation, which can alleviate possible hostile interactions among animals. In this study, we tested whether there are any significant differences between temporal and spatial activity patterns of predators (Leopardus wiedii and Puma concolor) and prey (Sylvilagus brasiliensis, Cuniculus paca and Didelphis aurita). We used the camera-trapping data to test if the predator’s species had less occurrence than expected by chance in Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (PARNASO), a protected area of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We used a measure of spatial segregation (C-score) and a Kernel Density Function to determine predators and preys time of activity and whether a pair of species occurred simultaneously. In addition, we calculated a coefficient of overlap between predators and prey. We found low values of C-Score in all analyses, which means high spatial co-occurrence and lack of spatial segregation among predators and their potential prey. Also, the Kernel Density Function showed that predators had more cathemeral activity while prey were mainly nocturnal. We thus show that temporal segregation is more important than spatial segregation in the study area. Our results suggest that predators are most likely to adjust their activity patterns based on the behavior of their main prey rather than to avoid competition with other species.

Keywords

• Atlantic forest
• Neotropical mammal
• niche teory
• temporal segregation