Space use and habitat selection of an invasive mesopredator and sympatric, native apex predator

Space use and habitat selection of an invasive mesopredator and sympatric, native apex predator Journal Article

Movement Ecology

• Author(s): Wysong, Michael L., Hradsky, Bronwyn A., Iacona, Gwenllian D., Valentine, Leonie E., Morris, Keith, Ritchie, Euan G.
• Published: 2020
• Volume: 8
• ISBN: 2051-3933

Link to resource Report broken link

Abstract: Where mesopredators co-exist with dominant apex predators, an understanding of the factors that influence their habitat and space use can provide insights that help guide wildlife conservation and pest management actions. A predator’s habitat use is defined by its home range, which is influenced by its selection or avoidance of habitat features and intra- and inter-specific interactions within the landscape. These are driven by both innate and learned behaviour, operating at different spatial scales. We examined the seasonal home ranges and habitat selection of actively-managed populations of a native apex predator (dingo Canis dingo) and invasive mesopredator (feral cat Felis catus) in semi-arid Western Australia to better understanding their sympatric landscape use, potential interactions, and to help guide their management.

• Urls: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-020-00203-z
• Keywords: Dingo (Canis dingo), Feral cat (Felis catus), GPS tracking, Habitat selection, Home range, Kernel density estimation, Movement ecology, Predator interaction, Step selection function