Like cat and fox: diurnal interactions between two sympatric carnivores in pastoral landscapes of NW Spain

Abstract

Felids and canids coexist along their ranges worldwide. Various interactions can occur between these carnivores, with multiple consequences such as demographic changes of competitors, or behavioural modifications in the use of the spatial, temporal or trophic niches. European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) coexist across Europe using multi-use landscapes when hunting rodents. They commonly use open fields during the day in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). We collected 597 diurnal phenotypic wildcat observations between 2012 and 2019, during which we observed 14 encounters (2.34%) of wildcats and foxes. We compiled 11 more encounters from collaborators. Diurnal encounters between both species seem to be rare, which could result from the two species displaying active avoidance. During the encounters, foxes mainly showed offensive behaviours whereas wildcats showed a defensive intimidation strategy, probably in relation to their morphology. Both strategies were equally effective for maintaining the position in feeding grounds.