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Niche segregation, competition, and urbanization.

ABSTRACT: Urbanization of species is an ongoing process where successful urban colonizers usually obtain large fitness benefits. Mechanisms proposed to explain associations between urbanization and life-history traits are based on behavioral flexibility in food and habitat use and reduced fear responses. We test the novel hypothesis that interspecific competition for proximity to humans is driving urbanization. We recorded the distance during the breeding season to human habitation for 50 pairs of closely related bird species, where one was closely associated with humans while the other species was not. The degree of urbanization was larger as was range size and abundance in the species more closely associated to humans. Flight initiation distance was shorter, and species closely associated with humans were more abundant in ancestral rural habitats. Likewise, species more closely associated with humans reproduced earlier and during longer periods. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that urbanization is promoted by interspecific competition. Resulting isolation by urban habitat may further facilitate contemporary adaptation to urban environments.

SUBMITTER: Pape Moller A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5905556 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Niche segregation, competition, and urbanization.

Pape Møller Anders A Díaz Mario M

Current zoology 20170413 2

Urbanization of species is an ongoing process where successful urban colonizers usually obtain large fitness benefits. Mechanisms proposed to explain associations between urbanization and life-history traits are based on behavioral flexibility in food and habitat use and reduced fear responses. We test the novel hypothesis that interspecific competition for proximity to humans is driving urbanization. We recorded the distance during the breeding season to human habitation for 50 pairs of closely ...[more]

PMID: 30402054

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Project description:Coexistence of ecologically similar species relies on differences in one or more dimensions of their ecological niches, such as space, time and resources in diel and/or seasonal scales. However, niche differentiation may result from other mechanisms such as avoidance of high predation pressure, different adaptations or requirements of ecologically similar species. Stone marten (Martes foina) and pine marten (Martes martes) occur sympatrically over a large area in Central Europe and utilize similar habitats and food, therefore it is expected that their coexistence requires differentiation in at least one of their niche dimensions or the mechanisms through which these dimensions are used. To test this hypothesis, we used differences in the species activity patterns and habitat selection, estimated with a resource selection function (RSF), to predict the relative probability of occurrence of the two species within a large forest complex in the northern geographic range of the stone marten. Stone martens were significantly heavier, have a longer body and a better body condition than pine martens. We found weak evidence for temporal niche segregation between the species. Stone and pine martens were both primarily nocturnal, but pine martens were active more frequently during the day and significantly reduced the duration of activity during autumn-winter. Stone and pine martens utilized different habitats and almost completely separated their habitat niches. Stone marten strongly preferred developed areas and avoided meadows and coniferous or deciduous forests. Pine marten preferred deciduous forest and small patches covered by trees, and avoided developed areas and meadows. We conclude that complete habitat segregation of the two marten species facilitates sympatric coexistence in this area. However, spatial niche segregation between these species was more likely due to differences in adaptation to cold climate, avoidance of high predator pressure and/or food preferences by both species than competitive interaction between them.

Dataset Information

Niche segregation, competition, and urbanization.

Publications

Niche segregation, competition, and urbanization.

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