Variation in spatiotemporal activity may reduce competitive interactions between invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) and native mammal species

Abstract

Interactions between sympatric species influence the ecology and behaviour of individuals and species. Invasive species can often alter community dynamics by generating novel pressures that native species are less able to respond to. The scope of these pressures may depend on the ecology and life history of the invasive species. We used remote camera traps to investigate how native mammals spatiotemporal activity patterns were altered by the presence of invasive wild pig (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758). By analyzing patterns of daily activity and implementing Cox proportional hazard models, our results suggest (a) that temporal partitioning may play a role in ameliorating competition between native mammals and wild pigs and (b) native species may be avoiding wild pigs by prolonging their return times to particular sites. We provide an example for monitoring the ecological changes wild pigs may create within ecosystems as they become more abundant in non-traditional ranges.