Spatiotemporal behavior of predators and prey in an arid environment of Central Asia.

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Version: Final published version
License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_B5D841EC5BC7
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Spatiotemporal behavior of predators and prey in an arid environment of Central Asia.
Journal
Current zoology
Author(s)
Franchini M., Atzeni L., Lovari S., Nasanbat B., Ravchig S., Herrador F.C., Bombieri G., Augugliaro C.
ISSN
1674-5507 (Print)
ISSN-L
1674-5507
Publication state
Published
Issued date
12/2023
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
69
Number
6
Pages
670-681
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
The mechanisms of interactions between apex and smaller carnivores may range from competition to facilitation. Conversely, interactions between predators and prey are mainly driven by the prey reducing the likelihood of encounters with predators. In this study, we investigated (1) the spatiotemporal interactions between an apex (the snow leopard) and a meso-predator (the red fox), and (2) the temporal interactions between the snow leopard and its potential prey (Siberian ibex, argali, Asian wild ass, Tolai hare) through camera trapping in the Mongolian Great Gobi-A. The probability of occurrence for the red fox was higher in the presence of the snow leopard than in its absence. Moreover, the red fox activity pattern matched that of the snow leopard, with both species mostly active at sunset. This positive spatiotemporal interaction suggests that the presence of the snow leopard may be beneficial for the red fox in terms of scavenging opportunities. However, other explanations may also be possible. Amongst prey, the Siberian ibex and the argali were mainly active during the day, whereas the Asian wild ass and the Tolai hare were more nocturnal. These findings suggest that potential prey (especially the Siberian ibex and the argali) may shape their behavior to decrease the opportunity for encounters with the snow leopard. Our results have revealed complex interactions between apex and smaller predators and between apex predator and its potential prey.
Keywords
Mongolia, Panthera uncia, Vulpes vulpes, avoidance, facilitation, ungulates
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
26/10/2023 14:27
Last modification date
09/08/2024 15:05
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