Mammalian activity at artificial water sources in Dana Biosphere Reserve, southern Jordan

Abstract

Desert conditions such as high ambient temperatures and scant rainfall result in water being a rare and essential resource for many species, and consequentially artificial water sources are often installed in such environments. Permanent water has the potential to influence multiple aspects of a species' ecology, such as movement, activity, predation and thermoregulation. Given the importance and potential impact of artificial water sources, this study used camera traps to record mammal presence and activity at two artificial water sources in Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan. Seven mammal species, each with distinct activity patterns, were recorded at the water sources, including Nubian ibex, a species of conservation concern. Evidence of temporal resource partitioning was recorded between all species, with the exception of porcupine and striped hyena. Due to the small size of the water sources, temporal partitioning between species may be used as a means of avoiding drinking in close proximity to other species, including potential predators.