Canid collision—expanding populations of coyotes (Canis latrans) and crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) meet up in Panama

摘要: The rise of the Panamanian Isthmus 3–4 million years ago enabled first dispersal mammals between North and South America in what is known as Great American Biotic Interchange. Modern deforestation threatens historic forest connectivity creates new habitat for open-country species, documented by recent expansions coyotes (Canis latrans) crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) into Central America. We used camera traps to map these species eastern Panama found that, 2015, coyote populations had colonized most agricultural area west Lago Bayano. Most our arrays east this point foxes, evidence from roadkills showed some advanced farther west, but we never both at same camera-trap array, suggesting possibility fine-scale spatial avoidance. a data fusion approach build distribution models combining surveys with records literature roadkill. While auxiliary improved predictive accuracy few clear patterns emerged, which might reflect generalist tendencies canids, or fact that are early stages colonizing region. Camera-trap photos were nocturnal revealed dog-like morphology coyotes, could indicate their hybridization dogs familiaris). Our continued monitoring Darien single moving through western edge 2016 2018. This leaves only great forests If continues region, two invasive canids represent new, Not-So-Great Interchange, where adapted human disturbance cross continents threaten native biota.