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Prey availability and intraguild competition regulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of a modified large carnivore guild

Davis, Robert S.; Yarnell, Richard W.; Gentle, Louise K.; Uzal, Antonio; Mgoola, William O.; Stone, Emma L.

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Authors

Robert S. Davis

Richard W. Yarnell

Louise K. Gentle

Antonio Uzal

William O. Mgoola

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Dr Emma Stone Emma4.Stone@uwe.ac.uk
Senior Lecturer Environmental Biology



Abstract

Effective conservation management requires an understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics driving large carnivore density and resource partitioning. In African ecosystems, reduced prey populations and the loss of competing guild members, most notably lion (Panthera leo), are expected to increase the levels of competition between remaining carnivores. Consequently, intraguild relationships can be altered, potentially increasing the risk of further population decline. Kasungu National Park (KNP), Malawi, is an example of a conservation area that has experienced large-scale reductions in both carnivore and prey populations, leaving a resident large carnivore guild consisting of only leopard (Panthera pardus) and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). Here, we quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of these two species and their degree of association, using a combination of co-detection modeling, time-to-event analyses, and temporal activity patterns from camera trap data. The detection of leopard and spotted hyena was significantly associated with the detection of preferred prey and competing carnivores, increasing the likelihood of species interaction. Temporal analyses revealed sex-specific differences in temporal activity, with female leopard activity patterns significantly different to those of spotted hyena and male conspecifics. Heightened risk of interaction with interspecific competitors and male conspecifics may have resulted in female leopards adopting temporal avoidance strategies to facilitate coexistence. Female leopard behavioral adaptations increased overall activity levels and diurnal activity rates, with potential consequences for overall fitness and exposure to sources of mortality. As both species are currently found at low densities in KNP, increased risk of competitive interactions, which infer a reduction in fitness, could have significant implications for large carnivore demographics. The protection of remaining prey populations is necessary to mitigate interspecific competition and avoid further alterations to the large carnivore guild.

Citation

Davis, R. S., Yarnell, R. W., Gentle, L. K., Uzal, A., Mgoola, W. O., & Stone, E. L. (2021). Prey availability and intraguild competition regulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of a modified large carnivore guild. Ecology and Evolution, 11(12), 7890-7904. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7620

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 13, 2021
Online Publication Date May 16, 2021
Publication Date 2021-06
Deposit Date Feb 8, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Ecology and Evolution
Electronic ISSN 2045-7758
Publisher Wiley Open Access
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 11
Issue 12
Pages 7890-7904
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7620
Keywords Nature and Landscape Conservation; Ecology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/8032205
Additional Information Received: 2021-02-26; Accepted: 2021-04-13; Published: 2021-05-16

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