Human expansion precipitates niche expansion for an opportunistic apex predator ( Puma concolor )

摘要: There is growing recognition that developed landscapes are important systems in which to promote ecological complexity and conservation. Yet, little known about processes regulating these novel ecosystems, or behaviours employed by species adapting them. We evaluated the isotopic niche of an apex carnivore, cougar (Puma concolor), over broad spatiotemporal scales a region characterized rapid landscape change. detected shift resource use, from near complete specialization on native herbivores wildlands greater use exotic invasive cougars contemporary urban interfaces. show 25 years ago, inhabiting same interfaces possessed diets were intermediate. Thus, expansion followed human both time space, indicating top predator interacting with prey ways. though human-dominated can provide sufficient resources for carnivores, they do not necessarily preserve their relationships.