Puma (Puma concolor) and bobcat (Lynx rufus) diet overlap in northern Chihuahua

Puma and bobcat diet Chihuahua

Abstract

In carnivores, diet overlap is essential for understanding resource selection and competition in various environments. The objective of this study was to compare the diet composition and overlap between puma (Puma concolor) and bobcat (Lynx rufus) in northern Chihuahua. We expected greater overlap in disturbed environments. Puma and bobcat scats were collected from disturbed and non-disturbed environments in northern Chihuahua. Percentage of occurrence, dietary overlap, and differences in diet composition were calculated using Chi-square contingency tables. Twenty-three Puma concolor and 70 Lynx rufus scats were analyzed. The main prey consumed by both species were rodents, followed by lagomorphs. The consumption of plant materials, cattle, other carnivores, arthropods, and bats was observed. In disturbed environments, diet overlap was complete at two sites and partial at the other; in undisturbed sites, one site showed no overlap, and two showed partial overlap. Both felines share similar diets in disturbed areas, with substantial overlap in common prey such as lagomorphs and rodents. In undisturbed areas, their diets are more differentiated. In disturbed environments, their diets differed, and both species resorted to unusual sources (chiropterans, plant materials, and garbage). Therefore, in disturbed environments of the desert region of northern Chihuahua, changes in the diet of both felids occurred, along with increased competition for resources.