Contrasting effects of anthropogenic disturbance on the interaction among sympatric carnivores

Interaction among species is central to the stability of community structure. However, anthropogenic pressures alter interactions, disrupt trophic levels, and threaten ecosystem stability. Understanding interactions across human land-use gradients is fundamental to mitigating anthropogenic threats effectively and better managing threatened species. Using data from a large-scale camera trap survey, we developed a multispecies occupancy model for a carnivore guild comprising tiger, leopard, and dhole to investigate the effects of environmental (forest and prey abundance) and anthropogenic (settlement) variables on the interspecific interaction. Human settlement density had a strong but contrasting effect on interaction: as settlement density increased, tigers and leopards were less likely to coexist whereas leopards and dholes were more likely to occur together. Tiger and dhole occupancy was negatively associated with settlement density whereas, the leopard was positively associated. Per ...