Larger Competitors Research Articles

South Africa’s crowded cannabis market: identifying new market opportunities for Ilco Farming’s “green gold”

Learning outcomes Following a discussion of the case, students should be able to analyse competitive dynamics: provide an in-depth critical analysis of Ilco Farming’s microenvironment, using the structure–conduct–performance framework; evaluate strategic positioning: conduct a SWOT analysis of Ilco Farming’s medicinal cannabis business; and develop strategic approaches: propose actionable strategies that would provide effective solutions to the problem of constrained market conditions currently faced by Ilco Farming. Case overview/synopsis Coenie and Ilse Venter established Ilco Farming, a cannabis farm located in the Viljoenskroon district in the Free State province in South Africa, in 2021. From the beginning, they poured their hearts and souls into their new venture, which soon paid off. A few short months after Ilco Farming began operating, despite the presence of other large competitors, Ilco Farming supplied a large share of the domestic medicinal market with flower heads. But then an unexpected challenge presented itself. In March 2023, Ilco Farming was operating at only 23% (600 m2) of its production capacity of 2600 m2 and had considerable room for growth, the local market – at least the local legal market – for cannabis began to show signs of saturation. Coenie and Ilsa found themselves at the proverbial crossroads, grappling with the crucial decision of how to secure their farm’s future in the face of a fast-saturating local (legal) cannabis market and a thriving (illegal) black market. Coenie and Ilse refused to entertain the idea of going the black market route, as they were unwilling to risk losing their operating licence. They calculated that the farm would reach breakeven point within the next two years, with profits unlikely during this period. Should they persist with their current strategy of producing high-quality products and delivering a superior service in the hopes of growing their market share? Or should they consider other strategic options? Coenie and Ilse were sitting at their boardroom table having a cup of coffee and looking out of the window at Ilco Farming’s impressive SAHPRA- and GAP-approved warehouse and tunnels. “What should we do?” they both wondered. Complexity academic level The case study can be used in postgraduate courses in microeconomics (PGDIP/MBA) and agricultural economics (PGDIP/MBA). Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 5: International business.

Anthropogenic activities facilitate temporal overlaps and spatial partitions among sympatric canids in a human-modified landscape of Bulgaria

Mammalian carnivores (order Carnivora) occupy higher trophic levels in many terrestrial ecosystems, shaping community structures via direct predation and trophic cascades. The interference competition among sympatric carnivores (i.e., aggression and killing) has a major role in the intraguild interactions in which the large-dominant predators typically constrain behaviors and resource use patterns by exploitative (i.e., resource) competitions as well as the survival of smaller subordinate species by interference (i.e., direct) competitions. The free-roaming dog, Canis lupus familiaris, has been introduced worldwide and the species affects regional biodiversity, including native carnivore species. Using camera trapping, we investigated the temporal and spatial overlaps between the free-roaming dog and two wild canids, the golden jackal (Canis aureus) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), in different landscapes of central Bulgaria. We predict their interference interactions, namely that the dog, as the largest competitor, suppresses the golden jackal with intermediate body size, and, in turn, the golden jackal suppresses the smaller red fox. In mountainous forest landscapes where the free-roaming dog was absent or scarce, the golden jackal and red fox partitioned their diel activities, while there were moderate levels of spatial overlap. In agricultural lowlands where dogs were abundant and anthropogenic disturbances were relatively high, all three canids were primarily nocturnal with high temporal overlap, probably owing to human activities (e.g., hunting) in the daytime. The golden jackal was spatially separated from the dog, whereas the red fox spatially overlapped with large dogs. Our results indicated that, in human-modified landscapes with scattered forests and shrubs, spatial partitioning between the free-roaming dog and the golden jackal at fine spatial scales facilitates their sympatry by decreasing the probability of direct encounters. Furthermore, our findings also indicate that spatiotemporal interactions between the golden jackal and the red fox can change in association with various human disturbances, e.g., landscape modifications, human activities, and the introduction of dogs.

The Influence of Context Factors on Cooperation in IS Integration Projects for Horizontal Mergers

IS integration projects for horizontal mergers of large organizations have received scant attention from IS researchers. This study addresses this shortcoming by collecting and analyzing Technology and Social integration process data during the integration planning and implementation phases of a multi-year IS integration project for the horizontal merger of two large competitors. Using a power-dependence perspective to interpret our findings, we develop a mid-range propositional theory to explain how and why organization-level context factors influenced the cooperative behaviors of legacy employees participating in horizontal mergers and the success of IS integration processes.

АНАЛІЗ МІЖНАРОДНОЇ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ АПК УКРАЇНИ ТА КРАЇН СВІТУ В УМОВАХ ІНДУСТРІЇ 4.0

The article is devoted to the international competitiveness of the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine and the countries of the world that are its largest competitors: Brazil, China, India, Turkey and the United States. The purpose of the article is to determine the advantages and problems of international competitiveness of the domestic agro-industrial complex in comparison with the largest competing countries in the context of technological development and implementation of Industry 4.0. The results obtained can be used in the creation of a a concept for improving the international competitiveness of Ukraine's agro-industrial complex. To achieve this goal, the research was conducted using the following methods: comparative analysis, economic and statistical methods, namely, the method of processing a dynamic series to identify a trend, graphical and tabular methods to visualize the observed data and research results. The analysis of time series for 2003-2022 showed that among the countries studied, Ukraine has the largest share of agricultural exports in GDP by a significant margin. The assessment of the dynamics of the foreign trade balance showed that Brazil, Ukraine and India are significant players as net exporters of agricultural products on the international market, while countries such as the United States and China are becoming increasingly dependent on agricultural imports, acting as net importers. The analysis of the structure of agricultural exports showed that Brazil, China, and India have the highest diversification of agricultural exports. As for the value of exports, Brazil and the United States are in the lead. It is established that in terms of the relative indicator, namely the share of exports of agro-industrial goods, Brazil, India and Ukraine prevail. The author notes a significant potential for increasing the international competitiveness of domestic agricultural products, strengthening Ukraine's position in the global agricultural segment, which can serve as an indicator of the efficiency and competitiveness of the Ukrainian agro-industrial complex.

Stock Price Prediction of the Largest Automotive Competitors Based on the Monte Carlo Method

Abstract The transition to electric vehicles would be a great improvement for the population. On the other hand, this transition will make a great pressure for companies in the automotive industry, since they would have to develop such vehicles and make them better than traditional ones. Moreover, the transition period can last a long time. In the meantime, fossil fuel car sale rates are still dominant in the world. In this paper, the stock price prediction is made for two of the world’s largest competitors in automotive industry - Toyota and General Motors. The prediction covers one year, based on historical data of stock price trends using Monte Carlo simulation in two possible cases: the first, with 1,000 outcomes, and the second, with 10,000 outcomes. After price simulation, a comparative analysis of the results obtained for these two companies follows. The results show that the greater the number of outcomes specified in the prediction, the greater the variability of the results compared to the variability of historical data. In other words, the transition of General Motors to the leading position is not impossible.

Metode Perekrutan Karyawan UKM Melalui Wawancara dengan Pendekatan Visi, Misi, Dan Nilai Perusahaan

SMEs or Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises play a very important role for the Indonesian economy. In the Indonesian economy, SMEs are the business group with the largest percentage. However, of the much assistance and attention provided by the government to SMEs, very little has been discussed regarding the Human Resources (HR) involved as employees in SMEs. so that SMEs can have a competitive advantage over their larger competitors, SMEs need to be involved in effective and efficient HR management practices, one of which is in terms of recruiting employees. One method of recruiting employees that is simple and can be applied easily is an interview. However, in conducting interviews, SME actors cannot ask questions without a clear framework because it will waste time and energy. Interview questions can be developed based on the three categories that most influence employee engagement, namely organizational factors, job factors, and individual factors.

Global supply chains risks and COVID-19: Supply chain structure as a mitigating strategy for small and medium-sized enterprises

After the COVID-19 pandemic, more research is needed to understand how the impacts of global events differ among alternative network structures in the presence of supply chain risks, and how relevant these potential risk mitigation strategies are for Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs). Thus, our main motivation is to show how SMEs can configure their supply chains, and cost-effectively mitigate the risk created by major disruptions. We combined a case study with a simulation model. The results suggest the greater usefulness of certain network configuration strategies (e.g., collaboration, multi-sourcing) compared to others during catastrophic events. Our results indicate that SMEs can avoid suffering more harm than larger competitors by adopting strategies consisting of an adequate mix of proactive and reactive elements, and that an effective proactive strategy involves building flexibility by increasing the number of geographically spread supply chain partners, allowing for deeper discounts to preserve demand without hurting profits.

Danish Attempts to Open Trade with Japan, 1637–1645

Abstract This article will describe the first attempt made by the Danish East India Company to establish trade with Japan in 1637–1645, as described in Dutch and Portuguese sources. In doing this, it will contribute to a rich historiography of early modern European contacts with Japan. In English-language historiography on seventeenth-century maritime East Asia, the Danish East India Company has largely been overlooked as an actor compared to its larger European counterparts. Conversely, in Danish historiography the interactions between the Danish company and its larger competitors, especially the Dutch, have been overlooked as well. The article will show how the governor of the Danish East India Company tried to cooperate with the Spanish and Portuguese in bypassing the Dutch monopoly in Japan. In addition, it will show how the Japanese relied on Dutch intelligence on the outside world.

Отраслевые особенности определения комплексной эффективности реструктуризации вертикально-интегрированных организаций пищевой промышленности

In modern economic conditions, restructuring is an important tool for ensuring the ef-fective functioning of organizations. In the food industry, a widely used way of re-structuring is the creation of vertically integrated organizations. This is primarily due to the high level of competition in the industry and the presence of large competitors, such as transnational corporations. The restructuring of vertically integrated structures in the food industry is a complex process aimed at improving the efficiency of organ-izations, as well as providing competitive advantages. Accordingly, in order to de-termine the comprehensive effectiveness of the restructuring of vertically integrated structures in the food industry, it is necessary to take into account the industry specif-ics of the organizations forming the structure. Efficiency calculation involves identi-fying the main areas of growth and sources of potential effects and competitive ad-vantages, as well as identifying possible areas of potential risks that can reduce the level of efficiency of the entire system. The advantages identified in the growth zones are divided by types of synergy: financial, investment, managerial, operational and marketing. The article also considers the qualitative indicators necessary for a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of restructuring. The main causal rela-tionships between the goals of vertical integration and the choice of specific criteria for its effectiveness and evaluation indicators are considered.

Market share, larger competition and the profitability of rural, small community banks

PurposeCommunity banks continue to offer important financial services including agricultural and small-business lending as well as residential mortgage origination. Because community banks’ share of available source funds may be threatened in rural markets due to competing larger banks seeking less expensive core deposits, this study examines whether large-bank competition, market share of deposits and changing market share impact the profitability of rural, small community banks.Design/methodology/approachUsing a Heckman-type selection model to control for sample selection bias, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis with time and bank fixed effects is conducted to study the drivers of profitability in small, community banks that operate exclusively in rural markets. Profit drivers for rural, small community banks of particular interest in the study are larger-bank competition, market share of deposits and year-to-year change in market share of deposits.FindingsThe research indicates that rural, small community bank profitability decreases in concurrent market share of deposits and may increase in changing market share but that the presence of a larger competitor decreases the profitability of small community banks in rural markets as larger banks compete for deposits in these markets. The paper also finds that increased Internet access in rural markets accompanies lower performance for small community banks, indicating that online banking services may threaten rural, small community banks.Originality/valueThis paper offers new findings to the literature on the performance effects of large competitors in rural banking markets. The results suggest implications for managers of rural, small community banks and offer additional knowledge about profit drivers of rural, small community banks of which regulators should be cognizant.

Predator control alters wolf interactions with prey and competitor species over the diel cycle

Predator control remains one of the most common strategies for the conservation of threatened prey species. Despite significant and ongoing efforts to reduce predator populations, little is known about the impacts on the behaviour and interactions of target and non‐target species following numerical and potentially behavioural suppression of predators. We used camera‐trap data collected before and after an intensive wolf control program in northeastern Alberta's boreal forest to evaluate changes in activity patterns and overlap in wolves, competitors and prey. We hypothesized wolves would shift their activity toward increased nocturnality to avoid diurnal control efforts, and thereby cause a behavioural cascade where other species shift activity to maintain temporal segregation from wolves. Wolves shifted activity into the nighttime following predator control, reducing temporal overlap with the other, mostly diurnal, members of the community. Decreases in activity overlap between wolves and other species indicates reduced potential for wolf interactions with ungulate prey and large competitor species. Predator control may therefore not only release species from top to down regulation and competition following numerical suppression of top predators, but also through de‐coupling of temporal overlap, with potential effects on species interactions. Understanding the indirect impacts of conservation strategies such as predator control on both target and non‐target species provides insight into potential disruptions to top–down regulation and the associated species interactions that shape community structure.

Investment attractiveness of the region’s development pole: methodology and analysis

The aim of the study is to develop scientific and methodological provisions for assessing the investment attractiveness of the region’s development poles and their approbation on the materials of the Sughd region of the Republic of Tajikistan. At the same time, a methodology should be developed for determining and justifying the capital investment objects with the highest return of the region’s development pole and growth point. The main objective of the research paper is to assess the investment attractiveness of the development poles as objects that most effectively use the region’s limited resources. The research methods are based on the principles of system-complex, deterministic and causal approaches in combination with the principle of dynamism. In relation to the Tajik regions considered as quasi-economy, the following range of indicators has been substantiated and proposed: the region’s enterprises production total profitability; market conditions (the industry production volumes dynamics and the development poles); competitive situation (the large competitors number in the region); the ratio of profitable and unprofitable enterprises; average labour productivity; the growth locomotives presence in the region. Based on the accounting and analysis of these indicators, a comparative assessment of the investment attractiveness of the North Development Pole and the food industry of the Sughd region of the Republic of Tajikistan has been carried out. It has been proved that the investment attractiveness of the development pole is 2.3 times higher than the investment attractiveness of the food industry chosen as a base for comparison. The results of the study can be used in the regional investment policy development processes and state regulation of spatial development.

Projected shifts in deadwood bryophyte communities under national climate and forestry scenarios benefit large competitors and impair small species

AbstractAimClimate change and habitat loss are the main threats to forest biodiversity. Deadwood bryophyte communities are composed of species with different functional traits and are affected by these processes. Grouping species depending on their traits can help to anticipate community responses to global change, and to potential conservation actions.LocationNational scale of Sweden.TaxonDeadwood bryophyte species (15 liverworts and 8 mosses).MethodsGeneralized linear mixed‐effects models were applied to test for differences in projected relative changes in habitat suitability (matching species’ requirements) among species with contrasting traits under varying climate and forest scenarios during the years 2020–2100. Projections were based on ensembles of species distribution models (GLM, Poisson point‐process, MaxEnt), climate scenarios and national scenarios of forest management and conservation.ResultsShoot length was the best predictor of projected future changes in habitat suitability. Habitat suitabilities for small, short‐lived species will decline in a warmer and wetter macroclimate, whereas those for large, perennial species will increase. We expect stronger habitat suitability decreases for obligate than for facultative deadwood species. Increasing the proportion of set‐aside forests from 16% to 32%, and reducing the harvest levels in production forests, mitigated negative habitat trends of several sensitive species. However, the potential benefits of increased conservation were even larger for species with traits favoured by climate change, suggesting that these actions will also enhance the spread of these species.Main conclusionsClimate change is expected to lead to shifts in boreal bryophyte communities towards large, competitive species and to an overall decrease in diversity. High investment in conservation actions seems necessary to maintain diversity. This should include increasing the area of forest set aside beyond 16%, and reducing harvest levels in production forests. However, whilst these actions may prevent species extinctions, at least in the short term, changes in community structure seem inevitable.

Conservation of endangered Tipton kangaroo rats (Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides): status surveys, habitat suitability, and conservation recommendations

The Tipton kangaroo rat (Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides; TKR) is listed as endangered both Federally and by the state of California due to profound habitat loss throughout its range in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California. Habitat loss is still occurring and critical needs for TKR include identifying occupied sites, quantifying optimal habitat conditions, and conserving habitat. Our objectives were to (1) conduct surveys to identify sites where TKR were extant, (2) assess habitat attributes on all survey sites, (3) generate a GIS-based model of TKR habitat suitability, (4) use the model to determine the quantity and quality of remaining TKR habitat, and (5) use these results to develop conservation recommendations. We surveyed for TKR on 44 sites by live-trapping and detected TKR on 15 sites. Sites with TKR tended to have larger alkali scalds and no obvious sign of past tilling compared to sites without TKR. Also, sites with TKR usually had relatively sparse ground cover and seepweed (Suaeda nigra) was present. The non-protected Heermann’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys heermanni), a larger competitor, was either absent or present in relatively low numbers at sites with TKR, and when present its abundance was inversely related to that of TKR. Based on our habitat suitability modeling, an estimated 30,000 ha of moderately high or high quality TKR habitat and 60,000 ha of lower or medium quality habitat remain. However, habitat is still being lost and conversion of at least one survey site with TKR occurred during this project. Recommendations for TKR conservation are to (1) conduct additional TKR surveys on unsurveyed but suitable sites, (2) conserve suitable habitat on unprotected lands, (3) manage vegetation on occupied sites if necessary, (4) restore disturbed lands to increase suitability for TKR, and (5) research methods and conduct translocations of TKR to unoccupied sites with suitable habitat.

Digital and Social Media Marketing - Growing Market Share for Construction SMEs

The construction industry has not been an early adopter of social media and digital marketing, due largely to lack of knowledge of and skills in these areas. Nevertheless, effectively deployed, digital and social media marketing can be a disruptive force allowing smaller residential construction companies to build brand awareness and win business from larger competitors. This study uses a qualitative approach - interviews with residential construction small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and adjacent industry actors - to obtain data addressing the key questions of the residential construction sector SMES' digital marketing attitudes and capabilities; whether digital and social media marketing is as or more effective than traditional marketing strategies; and the challenges facing SMEs in making effective use of digital marketing strategies. The findings confirm widespread recognition of the value of digital marketing strategies among SMEs but reveal that uptake and effective use of digital marketing is undermined by deficiencies in external environment analysis and a lack of the investment and training needed to plan, monitor and maintain effective and up-to-date marketing mixes, strategies and objectives. Based on the findings, recommendations are offered for improving residential construction SMEs’ uptake and effective use of digital and social media marketing.

МАРКЕТИНГОВЕ УПРАВЛІННЯ, АНАЛІЗ ЦІН ТА ФОРМУВАННЯ КОМУНІКАЦІЙНОЇ СТРАТЕГІЇ МАГАЗИНУ

Opportunities and threats to the enterprise’s activity in the floristic market of Ukraine in the form of EFAS analysis have been evaluated. High-end flowers in the Dnipro can be found only in boutiques, to which the Amadin store also belongs. Amadin’s prices are in the range of average market prices: lower than those of large competitors and higher than those of small retailers. When the price changes by 1%, demand changes by about 1.1%. Analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the Instagram account @amadin_dp. In order to clarify consumer benefits and form a marketing communication strategy, marketing research was carried out in the floristic market of the city of Dnipro. The target audience of the survey: online customers, visitors to the store. Using a survey of store customers, the main consumer requirements for the product are determined: freshness, variety of assortment, professional floristic services. It is determined that the Amadin store has a fairly high competitive position in the floristic market of the Dnipro city. To create a polygon of competitiveness based on the questionnaire, the following criteria were chosen for comparison: price, appearance, location, additional services, delivery, advertising activity, uniqueness of offer, brand knowledge, brand loyalty, staff quality, and assortment breadth. Amadin leads the way in brand loyalty, additional services and delivery services, as well as the offer uniqueness. Brand knowledge and promotional activity are weak points. For growth of sales it is necessary to be recognizable in the market therefore it is necessary to pay considerable attention to marketing communications for increase in recognition of a brand and awareness of buyers on it. Formation of marketing strategy of the enterprise is carried out on the basis of definition of a Canvas strategic of the industry and creation of a McKinsey matrix. It was established that the competitiveness of goods in the segment is high – 8 points from 10. The matrix McKinsey is built. According to this matrix, Amadin is located in the quadrant, where the average market attractiveness and strong competitiveness, which means one of the most profitable business positions. It is advisable to choose a strategy of aggressive growth that is investment and business optimization.

Housing and communal services as a driver of the Urals Federal District sustainable development

The study aims to analyze the current state of the housing and communal services market in the Ural Federal District. The features of the housing and communal services market in the Urals Federal District have been investigated, key trends in the development of the studied market have been identified. The assessment of the volume of the housing and communal services market in the Urals Federal District in value terms is carried out, its dynamics in 2015-2020 is presented. The nature of the investigated market volume dynamics is revealed, the average annual rate of its growth and the drivers of market growth are determined. The structure of housing and communal services and the structure of the housing stock in the Ural Federal District within the regions and districts are considered. The heterogeneity of these structures is shown. A significant share (about 66.0%) in both structures presented falls on Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions. The study is based on statistical data from the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation, data from specialized portals (Unified information resource - GIS Housing and Communal Services, State Corporation - Fund for Assistance to Reforming Housing and Utilities Sector (Housing and Utilities Fund)). The results obtained in this work helps further research to conduct a competitive analysis on the housing and communal services market in the Urals Federal District, determine the shares of the largest competitors in the studied market, estimate the volume of housing and communal services consumption per capita, as well as the saturation and estimated potential of the housing and communal services market in the Urals Federal District.

The Trophic Position of Pleistocene and Modern Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) of Yakutia Based on Stable Isotope Analyses

To assess the trophic position of the exceptionally large-sized brown bears from the Pleistocene of Yakutia, we used stable nitrogen and carbon isotope analyses of the collagen contained in fossil bones and teeth. Modern brown bears of Yakutia were compared to the large Pleistocene predators. As a result of the measurements taken for the Pleistocene bears, we obtained δ13С values typical of terrestrial ecosystems and relatively high δ15N values typical of such Pleistocene predators as the cave lion. We explain the high δ15N values of the bone collagen of the study fossil bears, as well as other Pleistocene brown bears of Yakutia and Chukotka, by (1) the absence of large competitors such as Arctodus simus, which allowed the bears to use large amounts of animal food; (2) the physiological effect of hibernation, expressed in an increased content of 15N in the bone collagen; and (3) an increased content of 15N in vegetation due to more severe climatic conditions, which affects the isotopic composition of the entire mammoth fauna of western Beringia. The δ13C and δ15N values of modern brown bears in Yakutia indicate a plant diet, suggesting that the modern brown bears (compared to fossils) occupy a fundamentally different trophic niche adapted to the modern low-productivity ecosystems of Yakutia.

Industrial hemp fiber: A sustainable and economical alternative to cotton

The textile industry is one of the highest polluting industries in the world. Recent studies have explored the introduction of environmentally friendly textiles to address this issue. One of these textiles is fiber derived from industrial hemp, which was recently approved for growth in the United States through the 2018 Farm Bill legislation. Motivated by hemp’s potential to have a lower ecological footprint than cotton, the objective of this study is to determine if industrial hemp fiber can be produced in an economically competitive manner. Through the lenses of sustainable development and systems engineering, the basic design of the research assesses material selection decisions economically by taking a holistic supply chain view of the agricultural activities associated with industrial hemp compared to its largest competitor (i.e., cotton). With both fibers being comparable in performance, the production process of both textiles is juxtaposed, to account for interdependencies among stages with key economic and environmental considerations. As the economic cost of agricultural activities for hemp is currently uncertain in the United States, our methodology considers four main data inputs to capture the agricultural activities. First, fertilization costs are regarded as part of the cost associated with field preparations. Second, we assess the seed costs associated with cultivation. Third, the cost of irrigation (i.e., water consumption) and fourth, pest control cost represents the cost of field operations. These costs, combined with fiber yield, are used to estimate and compare the two fibers in USD per metric ton of final fiber produced. Industrial hemp is a high yield crop with (on average) 3 times more metric tons of fiber produced per hectare cultivated. Therefore, the adoption of hemp enables a reduction in cost associated with agricultural activities of 77.63%, when compared to cotton for medium total agricultural activity cost and medium yield estimates. In summary, our results suggest that industrial hemp fiber is economically viable and has the potential to be a more environmentally friendly alternative material than cotton within the textile industry.

Spatio-temporal partitioning facilitates mesocarnivore sympatry in the Stara Planina Mountains, Bulgaria

The top trophic level in many terrestrial food webs is typically occupied by mammalian carnivores (Order Carnivora) that broadly affect and shape ecosystems through trophic cascades. Their inter-specific interactions can further complicate effects on community dynamics as a consequence of intra-guild competition. The capacity for competitive mammalian carnivores to segregate their hunting and activity regimes is in major part a function of their similarity, in terms of body-size and dietary niche; termed the ‘niche variation hypothesis’. In this study, we used camera-trapping to investigate intra-guild interactions and spatio-temporal partitioning among five mesocarnivores, the golden jackal (Canis aureus), European badger (Meles meles), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), European wildcat (Felis sylvestris) and stone marten (Martes foina), in the Stara Planina Mountains, Bulgaria. We collected a total of 444 images of golden jackals, 236 images of European badgers, 200 images of red foxes, 171 images of stone martens, and 145 images of European wildcats, from 6612 camera-days across fifteen camera-trapping stations. With respect to body size, the three smaller species (fox, wildcat and marten) were active in different time periods than the two larger competitors (jackal and badger) through both the warm and cold season. The more similar the trophic niche between species pairs (particularly relating to rodent consumption), the greater the spatio-temporal partitioning we observed within the pair; however, this adapted to seasonal dietary shifts. In conclusion, spatial and temporal (fine-scale and seasonal) niche partitioning appeared to reduce encounter probabilities and competition and may act to facilitate sympatric coexistence among this regional mesocarnivore guild.