Coexistence of carnivores in a heterogeneous landscape: habitat selection and ecological niches

摘要: Understanding distributional patterns and mechanisms used by species for habitat selection is crucial to adopt effective land management policies in terms of biodiversity conservation. A heterogeneous landscape may allow coexistence species. That will be dependent on the availability resources that has sufficient fulfil their basic needs. The present study aimed investigate selection, niche breadth overlap three sympatric carnivore (Vulpes vulpes, Genetta genetta Martes foina) a typically fragmented from Central Portugal, using camera-trapping techniques. results obtained revealed investigated use available habitats differently non-random way. red fox showed most specialized behaviour, positively selecting coniferous forests. common genet preferred eucalyptus, avoiding old-growth mixed woodland, contrast with stone marten exhibited strong preference this late habitat, eucalyptus. Concerning breadth, had highest value while lowest one. at camera-trap level occurred between which suggests these can coexist share resources. Regarding level, greatest was found fox, indicating exploration same general conditions both support concept complexity allows within trophic level.