IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Horne, J.S.; Haines, A.M.; Tewes, M.E.; Laack, L.L. | |
| Habitat partitioning by sympatric ocelots and bobcats: implications for recovery of ocelots in southern Texas | |
| 2009 The Southwestern Naturalist (54): 119-126 | |
Populations of ocelots (_Leopardus pardalis_) have declined during the past century due mainly to loss of habitat resulting in the ocelot being listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. In southern Texas, the northern distribution of the ocelot overlaps the southern distribution of the bobcat (_Lynx rufus_). Because bobcats could adversely affect populations of ocelots through interspecific competition, we examined habitat selection of sympatric ocelots and bobcats to determine if habitat partitioning could be functioning to reduce interspecific interactions. Using radiotelemetry, we analyzed macro-scale (vegetative communities) and micro-scale (structural components) selection of habitats by sympatric ocelots and bobcats on Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron County, Texas. We looked for differences in placement of home ranges within the general study area, selection of cover within home ranges, and use of structural components of vegetation within types of cover. There was substantial evidence for habitat partitioning with ocelots selecting areas with .75% canopy cover, while bobcats selected areas with ,75% canopy cover. Thus, coexistence between these two species might be facilitated by resource partitioning of habitat. |
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