ACTIVITY PATTERNS AND TEMPORAL SEGREGATION OF MEDIUM- AND LARGE-SIZED MAMMALS IN TRÊS PICOS STATE PARK AND GUAPIAÇU ECOLOGICAL RESERVE, BRAZILIAN ATLANTIC FOREST

Temporal segregation of mammals in the Atlantic Forest

Abstract

Species coexistence relies on niche partitioning, where species utilize different niche dimensions, such as time and space, to minimize interspecific competition and predation. This study aimed to describe the activity patterns and prey-predator dynamics of medium and large-sized mammals in two Protected Areas, Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve and Três Picos State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Using camera traps deployed across 42 stations for a total of 200 camera-trap days, we recorded 1,502 detections of 10 mammal species. Prey species accounted for the majority of records, with Didelphis aurita (588 detections) being the most frequently observed. Among predators, the puma (Puma concolor) had the highest number of detections (113). The results revealed variation in activity patterns among the recorded species, with some being primarily diurnal, others nocturnal — most of them prey species — and P. concolor exhibiting cathemeral activity. These patterns suggest temporal segregation as a potential mechanism to reduce predation risk and interspecific competition. These findings contribute to understanding how ecological factors shape species behavior and coexistence in biodiverse tropical regions.