Dynamic interactions between apex predators reveal contrasting seasonal attraction patterns.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Wildlife Conservation
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Apex predators are crucial for ecosystem stability.
• Intraguild interactions, including predation and competition, significantly influence trophic dynamics.
• Understanding predator encounters is vital, yet understudied despite advances in GPS tracking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the environmental conditions and outcomes of encounters between spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) and African lions (Panthera leo).
• To identify which species initiates encounters and which species dominates.
• To analyze seasonal variations in these apex predator interactions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized simultaneous GPS data from collared spotted hyaenas and African lions in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
• Analyzed encounter locations, focusing on resource availability (carcasses, waterholes).
• Examined predator movements before, during, and after encounters to infer interaction dynamics.

Main Results:

• Encounters are primarily resource-driven, occurring at carcasses or waterholes.
• Lions dominate carcass access during the wet season.
• Dry season encounters are frequent near waterholes, involving passive or active interference, with hyaenas potentially displacing lions.

Conclusions:

• Predator interactions exhibit significant seasonal shifts, moving from scavenging opportunities to interference competition.
• Waterholes become critical interaction sites in the dry season, influencing hunting dynamics.
• These dynamics highlight the complex interplay between apex predators and ecosystem processes.