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1 May 2009 Habitat Partitioning by Sympatric Ocelots and Bobcats: Implications for Recovery of Ocelots in Southern Texas
Jon S. Horne, Aaron M. Haines, Michael E. Tewes, Linda L. Laack
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Abstract

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.

Jon S. Horne, Aaron M. Haines, Michael E. Tewes, and Linda L. Laack "Habitat Partitioning by Sympatric Ocelots and Bobcats: Implications for Recovery of Ocelots in Southern Texas," The Southwestern Naturalist 54(2), 119-126, (1 May 2009). https://doi.org/10.1894/PS-49.1
Received: 20 July 2007; Accepted: 1 September 2008; Published: 1 May 2009
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