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Foraging in space and time structure an African small mammal community
Mohammad A Abu Baker1, Joel S Brown
1Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar, abubakerma@gmail.com.
Oecologia
|March 21, 2014
Summary
Habitat selection and foraging efficiency drive small mammal and bird community structure in South Africa. Distinct spatial and temporal preferences allow species coexistence, with competition shaping these behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Community ecology
- Behavioral ecology
- Wildlife conservation
Background:
- Understanding species coexistence is crucial for effective conservation strategies.
- Habitat selection and diet are key factors influencing community structure.
- Competition can shape species distributions and interactions within ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of habitat selection and diet on structuring a small mammal and bird community.
- To determine the primary mechanisms of coexistence among competing species.
- To integrate behavioral insights into community ecology through foraging analysis.
Main Methods:
- Live-trapping and foraging observations were conducted across three distinct habitats: woodland, rocky hillside, and grassland.
- Abundance, habitat use, and species-specific foraging costs were estimated.
- Species efficiency was determined by abundance, foraging activity, and resource utilization.
Main Results:
- All species displayed unique spatial and temporal habitat preferences, serving as the primary mechanism for coexistence.
- Diet selection was a secondary factor promoting coexistence.
- Three distinct species assemblages were identified: grassland, woodland, and rock-dwelling.
Conclusions:
- Distinct habitat preferences, shaped by competition and foraging costs, promote species distribution and coexistence.
- Foraging aptitudes and efficiencies drive habitat specialization among competing species.
- Integrating behavioral indicators, like foraging decisions, offers a mechanistic understanding of across-taxa species coexistence.
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