Effects of livestock on the feeding and spatial ecology of Geoffroy’s cat

• Published in: Journal of arid environments Vol. 76; pp. 36 - 42
• Main Authors: Pereira, J.A., Walker, R.S., Novaro, A.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Abundance; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Behavioral plasticity; Biological and medical sciences; Cats; Clouds; Daily movements; Diets; Ecology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Habitats; Home-range size; Leopardus geoffroyi; Mammalia; Movements; Parks; Prey selection; Radio tracking; Synecology; Terrestrial ecosystems; Vertebrates: general zoology, morphology, phylogeny, systematics, cytogenetics, geographical distribution; Argentina; Daily movements; Home-range size; Behavioral plasticity; Leopardus geoffroyi; Radio tracking; Prey selection; Carnivora; Radiotelemetry; Home range; Arid environment; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Diet; Plasticity; Livestock; Behavior
• ISSN: 0140-1963; 1095-922X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2011.08.006

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.
► Diet composition of Geoffroy’s cats was similar between park and ranches. ► Movements of cats in the park were shorter than those of cats in the ranches. ► Differences in habitat use between sites reflected variations in habitat availability. ► Geoffroy’s cats exhibited behavioral plasticity.