Foraging patterns and spatial distribution of synanthropic mammals and their interaction with dogs

Introduction: Synanthropic mammals benefit from food and shelter provided by green urban areas. However, they frequently interact with predators such as dogs which may modify certain behaviours and their spatial distribution, compromising their survival. Objective: To determine the effect of feral dogs’ presence on mesopredator synanthropic mammal feeding patterns by analyzing the spatial distribution of three species, opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), ringtails (Bassariscus astutus), and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in a green urban area in Mexico. Methods: Camera traps and scent stations were used to record foraging patterns and spatial distribution. The habitat was characterized and correlated with duration and frequencies of synanthropic mammal feeding patterns and spatial distribution. Results: Opossums were recorded more frequently inside vegetation compared to other areas of the park, while dogs were recorded in grass-covered areas, on roads, and in recreation zones. Ringtails and gray foxes were recorded inside vegetation and in open spaces. Feeding patterns were not affected by the presence or absence of dogs. However, the presence of dogs affected opossum and gray fox vigilance frequency and was associated with habitat characteristics. Ringtail vigilance was affected by dog presence and habitat characteristics. Conclusion: The interaction between dogs and wildlife may generate species-specific behavioural responses, allowing some species to be tolerant of risk while others may show spatial and temporal segregation. Understanding the spatial distribution of dogs and their effect on wildlife inhabiting green urban areas will help to improve control-impact programs of dogs, reducing predation events and improving the welfare of mesopredator synanthropic mammals.