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22 February 2024 Carnivore interactions shape leopard presence
Natália Martínková, Michal Škrobánek
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The decline of large carnivores profoundly impacts ecosystems, triggering trophic cascades that disrupt ecological balance. The leopard (Panthera pardus) has experienced a significant decline in its geographical range, prompting concerns regarding niche displacement and interspecific interactions with other carnivores. In this study, we constructed leopard species distribution models and assessed niche displacement driven by environmental suitability for co-occurring carnivores. Although carnivores shifted the leopard niche towards biodiversity hotspots, none negatively impacted leopard presence, except for a potential influence of Lynx lynx and Ursus arctos. Interestingly, mesopredators Felis chaus and Canis mesomelas emerged as the most influential species in predicting leopard presence. Our findings suggest that ecosystems supporting mesopredators are also the most likely to host leopards. This insight underscores the complex interplay of species in shared habitats and highlights the importance of conserving the biodiversity of carnivores to safeguard their ecological roles.

Natália Martínková and Michal Škrobánek "Carnivore interactions shape leopard presence," Journal of Vertebrate Biology 73(23084), 23084.1-13, (22 February 2024). https://doi.org/10.25225/jvb.23084
Received: 4 October 2023; Accepted: 12 December 2023; Published: 22 February 2024
KEYWORDS
Felidae
large carnivore
mesocarnivores
niche displacement
Panthera pardus
predator interaction
species distribution model
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