Intraspecific and interspecific competition induces density-dependent habitat niche shifts in an endangered steppe bird.

ABSTRACT: Interspecific competition is a dominant force in animal communities that induces niche shifts in ecological and evolutionary time. If competition occurs, niche expansion can be expected when the competitor disappears because resources previously inaccessible due to competitive constraints can then be exploited (i.e., ecological release). Here, we aimed to determine the potential effects of interspecific competition between the little bustard (Tetrax tetrax) and the great bustard (Otis tarda) using a multidimensional niche approach with habitat distribution data. We explored whether the degree of niche overlap between the species was a density-dependent function of interspecific competition. We then looked for evidences of ecological release by comparing measures of niche brea

SUBMITTER: Tarjuelo R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5696386 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature