The role of melanism in oncillas on the temporal segregation of nocturnal activity

Brazilian Journal of Biology

Me Graipel¹  Lgr Oliveira-santos¹  Fvb Goulart¹  Ma Tortato¹  Prm Miller¹  Nc Cáceres¹ 

关键词: Leopardus tigrinus;    activity;    moonlight;    camera trap;    Leopardus tigrinus;    atividade;    luminosidade da lua;    armadilha fotográfica;   

DOI  :  10.1590/1519-6984.14312

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

The occurrence of coat colour polymorphisms in populations may promote the ecological success of species by permitting a wider spectrum of use of different subsets of available resources. We conducted an analysis of temporal segregation by comparing night brightness with nocturnal activity of spotted and melanistic oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus). Melanistic oncillas were more active during bright nights and spotted oncillas and other species were more active during dark nights. Each colour morph occupied a temporal niche outside the confidence interval of the other colour morph, demonstrating the ecological significance of polymorphic colour patterns in this felid species.

【 授权许可】

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