Effects of Sun Angle, Lunar Illumination, and Diurnal Temperature on Temporal Movement Rates of Sympatric Ocelots and Bobcats in South Texas

Sympatric ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) in South Texas show substantial overlap in body size, food habits, and habitat use. Consequently, we explore whether temporal niche partitioning may explain ocelot and bobcat coexistence. We investigated the influence of sun angle, lunar illumination, and maximum diurnal temperature on temporal movement rates of sympatric ocelots (n = 8) and bobcats (n = 6) using a combination of high frequency GPS locations and bi-axial accelerometer data. We demonstrated that accelerometer data could be used to predict movement rates, providing a nearly continuous measure of animal activity and supplementing GPS locations. Ocelots showed a strong nocturnal activity pattern with the highest movement rates at night whereas bobcats showed a crepuscular activity pattern with the highest movement rates occurring around sunrise and sunset. Although bobcat activity levels were lower during the day, bobcat diurnal activity was higher than ocelot diurnal activity. During warmer months, bobcats were more active on nights with high levels of lunar illumination. In contrast, ocelots showed the highest nocturnal activity levels during periods of low lunar illumination. Ocelots showed reduced diurnal activity on hotter days. Our results indicate that ocelot and bobcat coexistence in South Texas can be partially explained by temporal niche partitioning, although both felids showed periods of overlapping activity during nocturnal and crepuscular periods.

Citation

Leonard, J.P.,  M.E. Tewes, J.V. Lombardi, D.W. Wester, and T.A. Campbell. 2020. Effects of sun angle, lunar illumination, and diurnal temperature on temporal movement rates of sympatric ocelots and bobcats in South Texas. PLoS ONE 15(4): DOI 10.1371/e0231732.

related PUBLICATIONS

Determining the Age Classes of Free-ranging Female Nilgai in Southern Texas, USA

December 21, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Hematology and Biochemical Reference Intervals and Seroprevalence of Hemorrhagic Diseases for Free-Ranging Mule Deer in West Texas

December 12, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Long Live the Cat: Ocelot Population Viability in a Planned Reintroduced Population in Texas, USA

November 20, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Pryric-carnivory: Predation of a Texas Tortoise by a Crested Caracara Following a Prescribed Fire

October 10, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Chapter 11 – Quails

October 1, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Hematology and Biochemical Reference Intervals for Free-ranging Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in West Texas

September 20, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Contact Our Education Team

Complete the form below and our team will reach out shortly.