Multiscale Assessment of Habitat Selection and Avoidance of Sympatric Carnivores by the Endangered Ocelot
Author(s): Maksim Sergeyev, Michael J. Cherry, Evan P. Tanner, Jason V. Lombardi, Michael E. Tewes, and Tyler A. Campbell
Published: June 2023
Habitat selection by animals is a complex, dynamic process that can vary across spatial and temporal
scales. Understanding habitat selection is a vital component of managing endangered species. Ocelots
(Leopardus pardalis), a medium-sized endangered felid, overlap in their northern range with bobcats
(Lynx rufus) and coyotes (Canis latrans), with all three species sharing similar space and resource use.
As the potential for competition between these three carnivores is high, understanding differences in
habitat use and the effect of these potential competitors on habitat selection of ocelots is essential
to conservation. Our objective was to compare habitat selection between species and examine
if ocelots avoided areas used by competitors at broad and fine scales.
Suggested Citation
Sergeyev, M., M. J. Cherry, E. P. Tanner, J. V. Lombardi, M. E. Tewes, and T. A. Campbell. 2023. Multiscale Assessment of Habitat Selection and Avoidance of Sympatric Carnivores by the Endangered Ocelot. Scientific Reports 13, 8882, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-35271-9