Carnivore interactions shape leopard presence

0584166 - ÚBO 2025 RIV CZ eng J - Journal Article
Martínková, Natália - Škrobánek, M.
Carnivore interactions shape leopard presence.
Journal of Vertebrate Biology. Roč. 73, č. 23084 (2024), č. článku 23084. E-ISSN 2694-7684
Institutional support: RVO:68081766
Keywords : Felidae * large carnivore * mesocarnivores * niche displacement * Panthera pardus * predator interaction * species distribution model
OECD category: Ecology
Impact factor: 1.5, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access
https://bioone.org/journalArticle/Download?urlId=10.25225%2Fjvb.23084

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.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0352152