Use of prey by sympatric bobcat (Lynx rufus) and coyote (Canis latrans) in the Izta-Popo National Park, Mexico

Abstract

To investigate dietary differences in two coexisting competing predators, we determined prey consumed by bobcats (Lynx rufus) and coyotes (Canis latrans) from scats in the Izta-Popo National Park, central Mexico. Use of prey by bobcats and coyotes showed a Pianka's index of overlap of 0.94, much higher than in other studies of the diet of these two species. Diets of bobcats were comprised primarily of eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus, 33.7%), rodents (22.7%), Mexican cottontail (S. cunicularius, 13.1%), the endemic and endangered volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi, 12.5%), Merriam's pocket gopher (Pappogeomys merriani, 9.3%), and long-tailed partridge (Dendrortyx macroura, 1.4%). Prey used by coyotes included primarily eastern cottontail (43.8%), rodents (15.7%), Mexican cottontail (12.0%), Merriam's pocket gopher (6.4%), and volcano rabbit (5.5%).