Spatiotemporal Overlap between the European Brown Hare and Its Potential Predators and Competitors

Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence.Most research effort has involved large-sized carnivores and their prey, whereas little attention hasbeen devoted to lagomorphs. We assessed spatiotemporal overlap among the European brown hareLepus europaeus and its potential competitors and predators through camera-trapping in an area inCentral Italy. We estimated the interspecific patterns of the spatiotemporal activity rhythms of brownhares, its potential predators (the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the pine marten Martes martes, the domesticcat Felis catus, and the domestic dog Canis familiaris), and a competitor, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus.Brown hare activity was studied in natural conditions as well as in a fenced area that excludedterrestrial predators and competitors. Free-ranging hares developed a more nocturnal behavior toavoid diurnal predators (i.e., domestic carnivores and martens). Although high temporal overlapwas observed between free-ranging brown hares and both red foxes (82%) and roe deer (81%), haresavoided fox by being more active on darkest nights, as well as avoided roe deer through spatialpartitioning. We suggest that hares may adapt their spatiotemporal behavior to avoid potentialpredators and competitors.