Data from: Individual asymmetric competition responses across multidimensional niches may enable coexistence of closely related species

Many studies have focused on niche differentiation at the population level
to explain the coexistence of similar species. However, information on how
individual-level processes across multidimensional niches shape community
dynamics and species coexistence, especially for nocturnal, small, and
highly mobile animals, is limited. In this study, we employed a
combination of metabarcoding and GPS tracking technologies to investigate
the coexistence mechanisms between two sympatric bat
species, Hipposideros armiger and H. pratti, by analyzing
individual niche responses to competition across temporal, spatial, and
dietary dimensions. Results showed that (1) traditional population-level
analysis revealed no significant niche partitioning along single
dimensions. However, (2) individual-level analyses uncovered sophisticated
coexistence mechanisms through asymmetry responses to interspecific
competition via temporal and dietary dimensions within limited habitat
ranges. (3) This asymmetry response ensures stability of complementary
relationships through coordinated interactions across three dimensions.
(4) Intraspecific competition contributes to species asymmetry
stabilization by modifying temporal activity patterns of both species,
thereby reducing interspecific competition and facilitating coexistence.
In conclusion, H. armiger and H. pratti achieved stable
coexistence through coordinated responses across all three niche
dimensions, with individuals demonstrating complementary patterns between
dietary utilization and temporal activity, rather than single-dimension
partitioning. Our work provides a comprehensive framework for
understanding how individual-level multidimensional niche adjustments and
asymmetric competitive responses facilitate stable coexistence in
sympatric species.