Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Effects of livestock on the feeding and spatial ecology of Geoffroy's cat
Author(s)
Pereira, J. A.;Walker, R. S.;Novaro, A. J.
Published
2012
Publisher
Journal of Arid Environments
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2011.08.006
Abstract
We compared diet composition, prey selection, home-range size, daily movements, and habitat preference of Geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) between cattle ranches and an adjacent national park in scrublands of Argentina. Although overall prey abundance was higher in the park than in the ranches, diet composition was similar between sites, and small rodents were the most common prey item found in Geoffroy's cat feces in both sites. Geoffroy's cats selectively preyed on sigmodontines in the ranches throughout the year and in the park during spring, when the abundance of this prey type was the lowest for this site. Mean daily movements of radio-collared Geoffroy's cats in the park were significantly shorter than those of cats in the ranches. Differences in habitat use between sites reflected differences in the availability of different habitat types, and Geoffroy's cats exhibited different patterns of habitat selection according to the site and the scale considered. Changes in home-range size and overlap were also apparent, but the small sample sizes and the short period during which individuals could be monitored may cloud the actual magnitude of these responses. Geoffroy's cats exhibited behavioral plasticity, as the two subpopulations in close proximity had such contrasting trophic and spatial ecology. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
Keywords
Behavioral plasticity;Daily movements;Home-range size;Leopardus geoffroyi;Prey selection;Radio tracking
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB14481