Niche Overlap and Competition in Woodrats
Cameron GN. 1971. Niche Overlap and Competition in Woodrats. Journal of Mammalogy. 52(2):288-296
Studies at Joshua Tree National Monument concern competitive interaction between the woodrats Neotoma lepida and N. fuscipes. Both are found to prefer Quercus turbinella as a food source, but when occupying a common area, the dominance of N. fuscipes allows this species to monopolize the Q. turbinella oaks. N. lepida adapts by switching to Juniperus californica when denied access to the oaks. In tests with caged woodrats of both species, N. fuscipes (the dusky-footed woodrat) usually engaged in fights to the death, whether with one of its own kind or of the other species. N. fuscipes appears to occupy a narrow ecological niche in contrast to the broad niche of the milder-mannered, more adaptable N. lepida.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Cameron, Guy
- Units
- JOTR
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, California juniper (Juniperus californica), Competition (Species), Covington Flats, desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida), Diet, dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes), Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), shrub live oak (Quercus turbinella)