Dogs are the most abundant and widely distributed carnivores worldwide with a high potential to interact and exert a negative effect on native fauna. We investigated the spatial and temporal segregation between dogs and bobcats (Lynx rufus) in 40 habitat patches across a highly urbanized landscape in central México. We used photographic records from 220 cameras stations to analyze their detection and occupancy probabilities, and activity patterns. For their occupancy and detection, we used human related variables (distance to roads and human settlements, human and cattle presence), and percent tree cover.
Results/Conclusions
Their occupancy and detection were similar across the study area (dog: psi = 0.513 ± 0.302, p = 0.080 ± 0.062, bobcat: psi = 0.600 ± 0.473, p = 0.052 ±0.098), within sampling units, higher probability of dog occupancy had a lower bobcat probability. Dog occupancy was associated with human presence, while bobcat had denser tree cover, increased distance to roads and human settlements. Bobcats were mainly nocturnal, whereas dogs were diurnal. Activity patterns overlapped 55%, occurring during nocturnal/crepuscular periods, where 38% of dog’s records occurred. Nocturnal behavior takes place when human activities decreases at the study sites, thus, these individuals may not have any association with humans, and the lack of surveillance in the area may increase the risk of negative interactions such as competition or depredation over the native fauna. Due to the strong association of dogs with human activities and a lack of response to its presence, it is necessary to increase the awareness of their effects within the ecosystem, combined with efforts to increase control of the presence, movements and reproduction of dogs.