Spatio-temporal coexistence of medium and large sized mammals in the Asir Mountains, Saudi Arabia

The Asir Mountains in southwestern Saudi Arabia are a biodiversity hotspot, however, the ecology of mammalian species in the region remains insufficiently studied, primarily due to the area's rugged topography and associated logistical constraints. To address this gap, we conducted a camera trap survey from May 2023 to October 2024 to assess species composition, relative abundance, activity patterns, and spatial coexistence of medium- and large-sized mammals. Using 36 camera traps, we captured 9,692 independent photographs, of which 4,968 (51%) represented 15 wild mammal species. Hamadryas baboons, striped hyenas, Indian crested porcupines, Asiatic caracals, and Arabian wolves were the most widely distributed, recorded at over 78% of locations (28–36 sites), while rock hyrax, Cape hare, Nubian ibex, and Brandt’s hedgehog were the least detected (<17% of locations). The hypercarnivores, hyena, wolf and caracal, were the most abundant species. Spatial overlap between hypercarnivores and mesocarnivores was low (O = 0.05–0.30), suggesting that subordinate species employ spatial partitioning to reduce competition. Nonetheless, a seasonal rise in the abundance of two fox species following a decline in hypercarnivore abundance, suggests some competitive pressure. Most species were predominantly nocturnal, with crepuscular activity increasing in the cooler autumn and winter seasons. Some of these species exhibited diel shifts in response to human disturbance, indicating behavioral response to anthropogenic disturbance. This study provides essential baseline data on mammal diversity and ecological dynamics in the Asir Mountains, offering insights into coexistence mechanisms that can guide future conservation planning in this unique and understudied landscape.