Title: Evidence of niche differentiation for two sympatric vulture species in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

As obligate scavengers utilizing similar habitats, interspecific competition undoubtedly occurs between resident black (Coragyps atratus) and turkey (Cathartes aura) vultures. In the interest of exploring how sympatric species coexist through habitat segregation, we examined resource selection of resident black and turkey vultures in the southeastern United States (US) for evidence of niche differentiation. Using fine-scale movement data, we assessed interspecific seasonal differences in monthly roost reuse frequency and roost site fidelity, as well as monthly flight, roost, and diurnal rest site resource selection based on > 2.8 million locations of 9 black vultures and 9 turkey vultures tracked from September 2013 to August 2015 using Groupe Spécial Mobile/Global Positioning System (GSM/GPS) transmitters. Black vultures generally exhibited greater roost fidelity as well as a greater maximum number of nights spent at a single roost than turkey vultures. Patterns of flight, roost, and resting habitat selection within the home range varied monthly as well as between species, providing evidence for habitat segregation and niche differentiation by sympatric vultures. In particular, our results indicate the importance of wooded wetlands for resting and roosting locations for both species, and revealed clear differences in the use of forested habitats between species during flight, resting, andmore » roosting behavioral states. By examining differences in resource selection and spatial ecology of black and turkey vultures across a range of behaviors, this study demonstrates mechanisms of niche differentiation in these ecologically similar species, and enhances potential for conservation and informed management of this important group of birds.« less

Authors:

Holland, Amanda E. ^[1]; Byrne, Michael E. ^[2]; Hepinstall-Cymerman, Jeffrey ^[3]; Bryan, A. Lawrence ^[2]; DeVault, Travis L. ^[4]; Rhodes, Olin E. ^[5]; Beasley, James C.  ^[1]

• Search DOE PAGES for author "Beasley, James C."
• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0001-9707-3713"

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+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA (United States). Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources; Univ. of Georgia, Aiken, SC (United States). Savannah River Ecology Lab.
2. Univ. of Georgia, Aiken, SC (United States). Savannah River Ecology Lab.
3. Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA (United States). Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
4. USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center, Sandusky, OH (United States)
5. Univ. of Georgia, Aiken, SC (United States). Savannah River Ecology Lab.; Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA (United States). Odum School of Ecology

Publication Date:

Wed Oct 30 00:00:00 EDT 2019

Research Org.:

Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM)

OSTI Identifier:

1627062

Grant/Contract Number:  

EM0004391

Resource Type:

Accepted Manuscript

Journal Name:

Movement Ecology

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Volume: 7; Journal Issue: 1; Journal ID: ISSN 2051-3933

Publisher:

BioMed Central

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES; Savannah River site; roost habitat; resource selection; landfills; competition; carrion