Spatiotemporal patterns of small carnivores in a human-dominated forest landscape shared with apex predators

Abstract

ContextRapid increases in human population and the resulting apex predator defaunation are affecting the spatial and temporal dynamics of small carnivores, with uncertain consequences for the ecological community. Documenting the spatiotemporal impact of apex predators and human disturbance on small carnivores becomes crucial to managers overseeing carnivore persistence.ObjectivesAssessing the spatiotemporal responses of five small carnivores to two apex carnivores (tigers Panthera tigris, leopards P. pardus) and human disturbances in Northeast Asia.MethodsWe first applied an occupancy-modelling framework to test whether site occupancy of small carnivores depended on apex carnivore and human disturbance. Then, we calculated the overlap of activity periods between small carnivores and apex predators, as well as the overlap with human/cattle activities using kernel density functions. Finally, we used cross-wavelet analysis to determine the temporal coherence between related species.ResultsSpatially, most small carnivores were independent of tigers and leopards. Compared to apex predators, small carnivores were more likely to use areas with high human activity. Temporally, small carnivores exhibited highly heterogeneous diel overlaps and more in-phase activities with apex predators. However, we found a significant difference in the mean activity time between apex and small carnivore. Meanwhile, small carnivores exhibited low levels of temporal overlap and more out-phase temporal coherence with humans and cattle at shorter periods.ConclusionsApex carnivores and human disturbances don’t limit the space use or intensity of use of small carnivores. Temporal segregation and anti-phase activity are the key role for small carnivores to minimize intraguild predation and human persecution.