Data from: Jaguar-white lipped peccary dynamic interaction index and landscape structures

Understanding how the landscape influences the distribution and behavior
of predators and prey gives us insights into the spatial dynamics of their
interactions and the factors that shape their populations across space and
time. In this study, we analyzed the interactions between jaguars
(Panthera onca) and white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) at different
forest and grassland distances and under varying predator or prey
densities. To investigate the influence of these variables on
interactions, we considered analytical contexts “The Dynamic Interaction
Index,” which represents attraction or avoidance behavior. We also
calculated the proximity between predator and prey over time by assessing
the distance among their locations. By analyzing GPS-movement data from
three jaguars and five peccaries over 44 days, we observed that close
distances were uncommon, and distances within a 3 to 5 km range were more
prevalent. Most interactions occurred at greater distances from
grasslands. In addition, our results show an increased frequency of
jaguar-peccary interactions under low white-lipped peccary densities.
These insights enhance our understanding of the Pantanal's
predator-prey dynamics, highlighting spatial-temporal movement patterns.
Considering this, we can better inform conservation strategies by
identifying zones that facilitate these interactions. Emphasizing what is
the landscape structure and the prey density roles in this interaction
contributes to preserving this ecosystem's delicate predator-prey
balance. In conclusion, our findings show for the first time the movement
interaction of these two species that are currently threatened, and
conserving them and their natural habitats is vital for maintaining the
Pantanal's ecological balance.

深入理解景观如何影响捕食者与猎物的分布及行为，有助于揭示二者相互作用的空间动态，以及塑造其种群时空分布的关键因素。本研究分析了美洲豹（Panthera onca）与白唇西猯（Tayassu pecari）在不同森林-草地距离、不同捕食者或猎物密度条件下的相互作用。为探究这些变量对相互作用的影响，我们引入了“动态相互作用指数（The Dynamic Interaction Index）”这一分析维度——该指数用于表征吸引或回避行为。同时，通过评估二者位置间的距离，我们计算了捕食者与猎物随时间变化的邻近度。对3只美洲豹和5只白唇西猯44天的GPS移动数据进行分析后发现：近距离相遇较为罕见，而3至5公里范围内的距离分布更为普遍；大多数相互作用发生在距草地较远的区域。此外，研究结果显示，在白唇西猯密度较低时，美洲豹与西猯的相互作用频率有所增加。这些发现深化了我们对潘塔纳尔（Pantanal）捕食者-猎物动态的理解，凸显了时空运动模式的重要性。基于此，我们可通过识别促进此类相互作用的区域，为保护策略的制定提供更科学的依据。强调景观结构与猎物密度在相互作用中的角色，有助于维护该生态系统脆弱的捕食者-猎物平衡。综上，本研究首次揭示了这两种濒危物种的运动相互作用规律，保护它们及其自然栖息地对于维持潘塔纳尔的生态平衡至关重要。