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MESONICHE

Project Abstract: 
Sympatric species within the same guilds coexist through various mechanisms to reduce competition. Abundant resources may allow populations with densities far below their carrying capacity to persist. Alternatively, subordinate species must adjust their requirements and/or behaviour to avoid interference from dominant species. Studies on trophic cascades elucidate how changes in apex predators influence lower trophic levels. Though much research has investigated such patterns in nature, few studies focus on the dynamism in interaction strengths and niche overlap within guilds. In this research, we aim to explore how mesocarnivores partition resources as well as their sensitivities to changing biotic conditions; specifically, prey availability, parasite load, and density of competitor species. We argue that new insights will emerge from explicit spatial and temporal investigation, highlighting whether species interactions and community-level attributes are maintained through time. One could imagine that certain conditions alter the role of species in communities. Given disrupting climates confounded by other anthropogenic pressures, this work helps inform the vulnerabilities of carnivore communities to future perturbations.
Years Active: 
2015 to 2019
Methods: 
We are beginning this project by first conducting a systematic remote camera survey. This effort will provide information on the community composition and spatial variation in occurrence. Cameras will be deployed ~1km apart along transects and relocated seasonally. To date, we have completed a survey involving >50 cameras during Fall 2015, Summer 2016, and Fall 2016. Additionally, we conduct monthly scat surveys of carnivores along with reference samples of prey scat, prey tissue, and vegetation to investigate diet via molecular techniques and stable isotope analysis as well as gut microbial and intestinal parasite communities. Pending preliminary results, project can expand to include animal capture and radio-telemetry.