Unusual temporal niche overlap in a phytophagous bat ensemble of western Cuba

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 511-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos A. Mancina ◽  
Ivan Castro-Arellano
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Temporal Niche ◽  
Artibeus Jamaicensis ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Tropical Evergreen Forest ◽  
Reproductive Females ◽  
Temporal Overlap

Abstract:We assessed the differences and similarities in diel activities among five phytophagous bat species at two habitats over two seasons within the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve in Cuba. We characterized temporal patterns of activity and overlap of temporal activity for frugivore and nectarivore bat species (Artibeus jamaicensis, Monophyllus redmani, Phyllonycteris poeyi, Phyllops falcatus and Brachyphylla nana) that occur in tropical evergreen forest sites with distinct altitude and vegetation structure during wet and dry seasons. Capture frequencies using mist-nets of 1180 capture events were the empirical basis for analyses. For each species we compared activity patterns between habitats, between seasons, between males and females, as well as between reproductive and non-reproductive females. We also assessed temporal overlap among each possible pair of species at each habitat and used Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate assemblage-wide temporal niche overlap using a new algorithm, termed Rosario, designed specifically for temporal data. The two habitats had the same species composition and bat diel rhythms tended to be consistent across habitats, seasons and sexes for most bat species. In general bat species pairwise temporal niche overlap was high, and the ensemble-wide temporal overlap was consistently high across habitats and seasons indicating a common constraint for bat activities. Activity peaks of most bat species coincided at 4–5 h after sunset, this being in sharp contrast to other Neotropical bat assemblages at continental sites where activity peaks usually overlap within the first 2 h after sunset. This strong disparity in timing of activity peaks between continental and insular bat assemblages can provide the framework for the generation of hypotheses that explain the potential role of time as a mediator of ecological interactions in bat assemblages.

scholarly journals Mesopredators change temporal activity in response to a recolonizing apex predator

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 1324-1335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn R Shores ◽  
Justin A Dellinger ◽  
Eric S Newkirk ◽  
Shannon M Kachel ◽  
Aaron J Wirsing
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Gray Wolf ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Anthropogenic Landscapes ◽  
Mediated Effects ◽  
Top Predators ◽  
Temporal Overlap

Abstract Apex predators can influence ecosystems through density and behaviorally mediated effects on herbivores and mesopredators. In many parts of the world, apex predators live in, or are returning to, landscapes that have been modified by people; so, it is important to understand their ecological role in anthropogenic landscapes. We used motion-activated game cameras to compare the activity patterns of humans and 2 mesopredators, coyotes (Canis latrans) and bobcats (Lynx rufus), in areas with and without an apex predator, the gray wolf (Canis lupus), in a multiuse landscape of the northwestern United States. In areas with wolves, there was a significant increase in temporal niche overlap between the mesopredators owing to higher levels of coyote activity at all time periods of the day. Temporal overlap between mesopredators and humans also increased significantly in the presence of wolves. Coyotes exposed to wolves increased their activity during dawn, day, and dusk hours. The increase in coyote activity was greatest during the day, when wolves were least active. The direction of change in bobcat activity in areas with wolves was opposite to coyotes, suggesting a behaviorally mediated cascade between wolves, coyotes, and bobcats, although these findings would need to be confirmed with further research. Our findings suggest that mesopredators in human-dominated systems may perceive humans as less dangerous than apex predators, that humans may be more likely to encounter mesopredators in areas occupied by top predators, and that behaviorally mediated effects of apex predators on mesopredators persist in human-dominated landscapes.

scholarly journals Circadian activity patterns of mammalian predators and prey in Costa Rica

2020 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 1313-1331
Author(s):  
Ryan T Botts ◽  
Amy A Eppert ◽  
Timothy J Wiegman ◽  
Abner Rodriguez ◽  
Steven R Blankenship ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Circadian Activity ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Temporal Niche ◽  
Community Based Conservation ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Temporal Overlap

Abstract Temporal niche shifts can shape predator–prey interactions by enabling predator avoidance, enhancing feeding success, and reducing competition among predators. Using a community-based conservation approach, we investigated temporal niche partitioning of mammalian predators and prey across 12 long-term camera trap surveys in the Pacific slope and Talamanca Cordillera of Costa Rica. Temporal overlap and segregation were investigated between predator–prey and predator–predator pairs using overlap analysis, circular statistics, and relative abundance after accounting for differences in habitat, season, and human impact among sites. We made the assumption that predators select abundant prey and adjust their activity to maximize their temporal overlap, thus we predicted that abundant prey with high overlap would be preferred prey species for that predator. We also predicted that similar-sized pairs of predator species with the greatest potential for competitive interactions would have the highest temporal segregation. Our results supported the existence of temporal niche separation among the eight species of predators—the smaller Leopardus felids (ocelot, margay, oncilla) were primarily nocturnal, the largest felids (jaguar and puma) and coyote were cathemeral, and the smaller jaguarundi and tayra were mostly diurnal. Most prey species (67%) were primarily nocturnal versus diurnal or cathemeral (33%). Hierarchical clustering identified relationships among species with the most similar activity patterns. We discuss the primary prey and competitor species predicted for each of the eight predators. Contrary to our prediction, the activity pattern of similar-sized intraguild competitors overlapped more than dissimilar-sized competitors, suggesting that similar-sized predators are hunting the same prey at the same time. From this we conclude that prey availability is more important than competition in determining circadian activity patterns of Neotropical predators. Our results indicate the presence of a delicate balance of tropical food webs that may be disrupted by overhunting, leading to a depauperate community consisting of ubiquitous generalists and endangered specialists. With Central America a hotspot for hunting-induced “empty forests,” community-based conservation approaches may offer the best road to reduce illegal hunting and maintain the biodiversity and community structure of tropical forest systems.

Ecological structure of a herpetological assemblage in South India

1987 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Koshy ◽  
Robert F. Inger ◽  
H.B. Shaffer ◽  
R. Bakde
Keyword(s):  
South India ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Terrestrial Species ◽  
South Indian ◽  
Tropical Evergreen Forest ◽  
The Western Ghats ◽  
Level Of Analysis

AbstractWe collected detailed microhabitat information on 1460 specimens comprising 52 species of amphibians and reptiles from a small area of tropical evergreen forest in South India. Although most individuals were found in non-riparian situations, the number caught in and along streams was higher than expected on the basis of collecting effort. Very few animals were caught under logs and rocks. When niche breadth values are corrected for variation in sample size, we find no correlation between magnitude of niche breadth and general habitat usage, such as terrestriality vs. arboreality. A cluster analysis of 28 common species using niche overlap values reveals one group of 6 terrestrial species with very high niche overlap values and high co-occurrence within collecting sorties; this group probably represents a genuine terrestrial guild. Another set of 4 terrestrial species is peripherally associated with the first 6, whereas the remaining species show generally low overlap values. Altitudinal restriction is an almost ubiquitous feature of the distribution of species in this fauna, with distinct groups of low (below 300 m), intermediate (300-399 m), and high altitude (above 399 m) taxa roughly corresponding to major shifts in forest types. At a broader level of analysis, we find considerable evidence for local endemism within partially isolated hill ranges in the Western Ghats, suggesting that geographic isolation may be an important contributing factor to the diversity of the South Indian herpetofauna.

Temporal niche of acoustic activity in anurans: interspecific and seasonal variation in a neotropical assemblage from south-eastern Brazil

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Frederico Duarte Rocha ◽  
Rodrigo Ventura Marra ◽  
Monique Van Sluys ◽  
Leonardo Boquimpani-Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Air Humidity ◽  
Temporal Niche ◽  
Anuran Species ◽  
Eastern Brazil

AbstractSympatric anuran species tend to differ in their temporal niche breadth and may also have considerable seasonal variation in diel activity patterns. We studied the temporal niche breadths of six anuran species during 24 consecutive months in an area of secondary forest at the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Along hourly intervals, at each of three observation points along a stream, the number of calling males of Adenomera marmorata, Eleutherodactylus parvus, Physalaemus signifer, Aplastodiscus eugenioi, Scinax hayii and S. trapicheiroi was recorded. The influence of rainfall, air humidity and temperature on the variation in the niche breadth of each species was analysed. Mean niche breadth differed for all species. Scinax trapicheiroi had the broadest niche and S. hayii had the smallest. Temporal niche breadth varied seasonally for all species. Two species (E. parvus and S. hayii) showed strong variation in the temporal niche when compared to the other species. Eleutherodactylus parvus, A. eugenioi and S. hayii were significantly affected by rainfall, air humidity and temperature. Niche overlap among species pairs also varied annually with mean temporal niche overlap being greater during the rainy season than during the dry season.

scholarly journals Bird activity patterns in the understorey of an evergreen forest in Oaxaca, Mexico

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Gabriela Pérez-Irineo ◽  
Antonio Santos-Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Niche Partitioning ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Temporal Partitioning ◽  
Temporal Niche ◽  
Basic Biology

Activity patterns of species are related to their physiology, their behaviour and the environment and can change in response to different factors, such as interactions between species. Bird species, typical of the understorey, show morphological and ecological similarities and must thus have some mechanism of ecological separation, such as temporal niche partitioning. The objective of this study was to provide information about activity patterns and activity overlap of bird species typical of the understorey. We expected temporal niche partitioning between ecologically-similar species. We placed camera traps in 29 sampling points in a high evergreen forest in the southeast of Mexico between 2011 and 2013. All species were mainly diurnal and, contrary to what we expected, there was temporal partitioning between tinamids, but not in galliforms and columbiforms. The degree of activity overlap might reflect a solitary or group lifestyle of the three sets of species, as well as shared behavioural preferences and similar adaptations. These results contribute to our knowledge of the basic biology and behavioural ecology of birds of the understorey.

Ischaemum mistryi (Poaceae: Andropogoneae): A new remarkable species from Sub-Tropical Evergreen Forest, India

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 509 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
SHAHID NAWAZ LANDGE ◽  
RAJENDRA D. SHINDE
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Detailed Comparison ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Short Discussion ◽  
Iucn Red List Categories ◽  
Tropical Evergreen Forest ◽  
Sessile Spikelet ◽  
A New Species

Ischaemum mistryi, a new species from the Sub-Tropical evergreen forest of Tilari Ghat, Maharashtra, India, is described and illustrated. This grass is unique with its leaves drooping, mostly congregated near the base, basal sheath villous, culms compressed at the base, lower glume of the sessile spikelet linear-lanceolate to oblongish tapering and slightly curled upwards, without a sub-apical ridge, nodules absent (if present 2–4 obscure) on its keels, and upper lemma of sessile spikelet bi-partite. Morphologically it is somewhat similar to I. mangaluricum, I. travancorense and I. barbatum. We provided a table of its detailed comparison with close species as mentioned above. According to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, we have assessed this new species as Critically Endangered (CR). The photo plates and illustration of the grass are given to facilitate its proper identification. A short discussion is also provided at the end.

scholarly journals Effect of Disturbance Regimes on Spatial Patterns of Tree Species in Three Sites in a Tropical Evergreen Forest in Vietnam

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Do Thi Ngoc Le ◽  
Nguyen Van Thinh ◽  
Nguyen The Dung ◽  
Ralph Mitlöhner
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Patterns ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Interspecific Interactions ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Disturbance Regimes ◽  
Tropical Evergreen Forest ◽  
Disturbed Forest

The effects of disturbance regimes on the spatial patterns of the five most abundant species were investigated in three sites in a tropical forest at Xuan Nha Nature Reserve, Vietnam. Three permanent one-ha plots were established in undisturbed forest (UDF), lightly disturbed forest (LDF), and highly disturbed forest (HDF). All trees ≥5 cm DBH were measured in twenty-five 20 m × 20 m subplots. A total of 57 tree species belonging to 26 families were identified in the three forest types. The UDF had the highest basal area (30 m2 ha−1), followed by the LDF (17 m2 ha−1) and the HDF (13.0 m2 ha−1). The UDF also had the highest tree density (751 individuals ha−1) while the HDF held the lowest (478 individuals ha−1). Across all species, there were 417 “juveniles,” 267 “subadults,” and 67 “adults” in the UDF, while 274 “juveniles,” 230 “subadults,” and 36 “adults” were recorded in the LDF. 238 “juveniles,” 227 “subadults,” and 13 “adults” were obtained in the HDF. The univariate and bivariate data with pair- and mark-correlation functions of intra- and interspecific interactions of the five most abundant species changed in the three forest types. Most species indicated clumping or regular distributions at small scale, but a high ratio of negative interspecific small-scale associations was recorded in both the LDF and HDF sites. These were, however, rare in the UDF.

Temporal niche overlap among insectivorous small mammals

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emerson M. VIEIRA ◽  
Gabriela PAISE
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Temporal Niche
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