Spatiotemporal interactions between ocelots and agoutis in Neotropical protected forests.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Wildlife Conservation
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Understanding predator-prey dynamics is crucial for ecological balance.
• Camera-trap data offers unprecedented insights into species interactions.
• Elucidating spatiotemporal activity patterns is key to predator-prey coexistence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatiotemporal activity patterns of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina).
• To determine if agoutis adjust activity timing in response to ocelot presence and activity.
• To assess if ocelots' spatial distribution is influenced by agouti presence.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a custom Bayesian occupancy model for two species.
• Analyzed extensive camera-trap data from tropical forests in Brazil and Suriname (2-9 years).
• Differentiated between spatial occupancy and temporal activity (detection probability).

Main Results:

• A positive spatial association was found, with ocelots preferring areas with agoutis.
• Agoutis did not segregate spatially but reduced activity in response to predation risk.
• Agouti activity significantly decreased during twilight in areas with ocelot presence.

Conclusions:

• Predator-prey coexistence is facilitated by temporal adjustments in activity, particularly reduced activity during high-risk periods.
• Jointly modeling spatial and temporal interactions provides a comprehensive understanding of species coexistence.
• Findings highlight temporal niche partitioning as a key mechanism in predator-prey relationships.