What are the spatial and temporal ecological interactions between sympatric felids on Borneo?
The spatial and temporal ecological interactions between sympatric felids on Borneo are characterized by a complex interplay of niche differentiation, habitat preferences, and activity patterns, facilitating their coexistence despite the potential for competition. Research indicates that Bornean felids exhibit significant differences in both broad and fine-scale habitat use, with distinct preferences for lowland and montane forests, peat swamp forests, and proximity to rivers, depending on the species. This habitat partitioning is a critical mechanism allowing these felids to coexist by reducing direct competition for space . Temporal activity patterns further elucidate the coexistence strategies among these felids. Studies have shown that while some species are predominantly nocturnal, others are mostly diurnal, and this temporal separation reduces interspecific competition and predation risk . For instance, the marbled and bay cats exhibit mostly diurnal activity, whereas the leopard cat is predominantly nocturnal, indicating a clear temporal niche partitioning among these species . Moreover, the spatial ecology of specific felids, such as the Sunda clouded leopard, reveals significant home range overlaps among individuals, suggesting a shared space use with mutual temporal avoidance, which is crucial for maintaining viable populations in protected areas . This is complemented by findings from camera-trap surveys, which provide evidence of interspecific avoidance calibrated against intraspecific interactions among other large felids like jaguars and pumas, indicating a broader pattern of spatial and temporal segregation that likely applies to Bornean felids as well . Interference competition and the strategies carnivores employ to mitigate competition risks, such as spatiotemporal partitioning and local reactive avoidance behaviors, are essential for understanding the dynamic interactions among co-existing carnivores, including felids on Borneo . These strategies, along with the varying distributions of predation risk and resource availability, shape the behavioral choices and community structure of these sympatric species, providing insights into the mechanisms that enable their coexistence .
Answers from top 5 papers
Papers (5) | Insight |
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03 May 2022 | Not addressed in the paper. |
1 Citations | Spatially, marbled and bay cats prefer greater distances from roads, flat-headed cats favor peat swamp forests, and clouded leopards avoid rivers. Temporally, marbled and bay cats are diurnal. |
2 Citations | Spatially, felids in Sarawak show habitat preferences based on elevation and proximity to roads and rivers. Temporally, their activity patterns vary, with some species being diurnal and others nocturnal. |
7 Citations | Sympatric felids on Borneo exhibit temporal niche partitioning; leopard cats are nocturnal, while marbled cats are diurnal, indicating spatial and temporal ecological differentiation among these species. |
Spatio-temporal ecology of Bornean felids shows resource partitioning through habitat differentiation, temporal separation, and co-occurrence with potential prey, facilitating co-existence in the ecosystem. |