Trophic niche segregation in a guild of top predators within the Mediterranean Basin.

ABSTRACT: Niche theory predicts that closely related and ecologically similar species with overlapping distribution ranges can coexist through resource partitioning that limits interspecific competition. However, studies examining the mechanisms promoting coexistence of top predators at a large geographical scale are still scant. Here, we describe the foraging ecology of 3 sympatric owl species (Northern long-eared owl [Asio otus], Tawny owl [Strix aluco], Eurasian eagle owl [Bubo bubo]) in the Mediterranean Basin. We review 160 studies reporting diet information (212,236 vertebrate preys) and investigate among-species differences in diet metrics (diversity, evenness, prey size, and proportion of mammals) and their variation along geographical and environmental gradients. Moreov

SUBMITTER: Ramellini S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11634680 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature