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Abstract
We investigated the monthly activity rates of bobcats (Lynx rufus), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and four of their potential prey species, antelope jackrabbits (Lepus alleni), black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus), desert cottontails (Sylvilagus audubonii) and eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus), in Saguaro National Park using remote camera trap data. We analyzed images taken over an 11-month period and over 10,000 camera nights and compared the time of day, month, and location of photographs of bobcats, gray foxes and four lagomorph species. Our findings suggest that bobcats and gray foxes are successful sympatric species for much of the year, but during the autumn and winter seasons gray fox activity increased as a result of reduced food availability. Lagomorph activity also changed in the winter, when both jackrabbit species and desert cottontail rabbit activity decreased, while eastern cottontail activity increased, in a manner that was quite similar to that of gray foxes. Lagomorph activity may be influenced by the activity of their predators. Knowledge of how mammals utilize the landscape of Saguaro National Park will enable wildlife managers to implement more effective conservation and management strategies.
Parent Publication
Keywords
Madrean Archipelago,
Sky Islands,
southwestern United States,
northern Mexico,
natural environment,
fauna,
flora,
research,
management,
biodiversity,
climate change
Citation
Benton, Mary Beth; Cerda-Navarro, Siria A.; Keck, Katie R.; McKnight, Brittany N. 2013. Analysis of the seasonal activity rate of sympatric carnivores and their prey in Saguaro National Park. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Ffolliott, Peter F.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Collins, Loa C. Merging science and management in a rapidly changing world: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago III and 7th Conference on Research and Resource Management in the Southwestern Deserts; 2012 May 1-5; Tucson, AZ. Proceedings. RMRS-P-67. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 448-453.
