Spatial heterogeneity and scale-dependent habitat selection for two sympatric raptors in mixed-grass prairie.

ABSTRACT: Sympatric predators are predicted to partition resources, especially under conditions of food limitation. Spatial heterogeneity that influences prey availability might play an important role in the scales at which potential competitors select habitat. We assessed potential mechanisms for coexistence by examining the role of heterogeneity in resource partitioning between sympatric raptors overwintering in the southern Great Plains. We conducted surveys for wintering Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and Northern Harrier (Circus cyanea) at two state wildlife management areas in Oklahoma, USA. We used information from repeated distance sampling to project use locations in a GIS. We applied resource selection functions to model habitat selection at three scales and analyzed for

SUBMITTER: Atuo FA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5574806 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature