Abstract
Coexistence of ecologically similar species relies on differences in one or more dimensions of their ecological niches, such as space, time and resources in diel and/or seasonal scales. However, niche differentiation may result from other mechanisms such as avoidance of high predation pressure, different adaptations or requirements of ecologically similar species. Stone marten (Martes foina) and pine marten (Martes martes) occur sympatrically over a large area in Central Europe and utilize similar habitats and food, therefore it is expected that their coexistence requires differentiation in at least one of their niche dimensions or the mechanisms through which these dimensions are used. To test this hypothesis, we used differences in the species activity patterns and habitat selection, estimated with a resource selection function (RSF), to predict the relative probability of occurrence of the two species within a large forest complex in the northern geographic range of the stone marten. Stone martens were significantly heavier, have a longer body and a better body condition than pine martens. We found weak evidence for temporal niche segregation between the species. Stone and pine martens were both primarily nocturnal, but pine martens were active more frequently during the day and significantly reduced the duration of activity during autumn-winter. Stone and pine martens utilized different habitats and almost completely separated their habitat niches. Stone marten strongly preferred developed areas and avoided meadows and coniferous or deciduous forests. Pine marten preferred deciduous forest and small patches covered by trees, and avoided developed areas and meadows. We conclude that complete habitat segregation of the two marten species facilitates sympatric coexistence in this area. However, spatial niche segregation between these species was more likely due to differences in adaptation to cold climate, avoidance of high predator pressure and/or food preferences by both species than competitive interaction between them.
Highlights
According to Gause’s principle [1], ecologically similar species sharing a niche cannot occur in the same area; one of the interacting species will be excluded [2], directly influencing community structure
The best models suggested that both sex and species were influential factors in the best model for body mass (S1 Table); males were heavier than females of both species (t = 6.43, P
Stone martens were significantly heavier than pine martens for the same body length
Summary
According to Gause’s principle [1], ecologically similar species sharing a niche cannot occur in the same area; one of the interacting species will be excluded [2], directly influencing community structure. The second scenario assumes that closely related species have evolved separately (without competitive interaction) in different areas and may develop ecological differences as a result of adaptation to different biotic and abiotic conditions (e.g. climate conditions) [20, 21]. In such situations both species may occupy different but optimal habitats for each species and reach high densities in these habitats. Understanding why closely related species use different niches is a step toward elucidating the mechanisms behind coexistence
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