Activity patterns in sympatric carnivores in the Nahuelbuta Mountain Range, southern-central Chile

作者：Zuniga Alfredo H^*; Jimenez Jaime E; Ramirez de Arellano Pablo

来源：Mammalia, 2017, 81(5): 445-453.

DOI：10.1515/mammalia-2015-0090

• assemblage
• camera traps
• circadian cycle
• coexistence
• interference

Species interactions determine the structure of biological communities. In particular, interference behavior is critical as dominant species can displace subordinate species depending on local ecological conditions. In carnivores, the outcome of interference may have important consequences from the point of view of conservation, especially when vulnerable species are the ones suffering displacement. Using 24 baited camera traps and a sampling effort of 2821 trap nights, we examined the activity patterns and spatial overlap of an assemblage of five sympatric carnivores in the Nahuelbuta Mountain Range, in southern-central Chile. In this forested landscape we found predominantly nocturnal activity in all species, but not for the puma (Puma concolor) and to a lesser extent, for the guigna (Leopardus guigna). In terms of spatial overlap, there was a non-significant negative relationship between the puma and the culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus), and a positive relationship among the three smaller species of the assemblage, the guigna, the hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus chinga), and the Darwin's fox (Lycalopex fulvipes). Culpeo displayed a negative spatial relationship with the three later species appearing to be a product of interference behavior. Species-specific ecological differences, including prey types and spatio-temporal partitioning among the carnivores appear to allow their coexistence.

• 出版日期2017-9