Alien allies? Temporal ecology of two invasive lagomorphs and coexisting predators in a Periurban area

Alien species play a key role in shaping ecological dynamics, particularly in (peri)urban environments, where human intervention and proximity may alter species abundances and interactions. We investigated the temporal activity patterns and overlaps between two introduced lagomorphs, the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus and the Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus, and sympatric predators in northern Italy. Using a year-long camera-trap survey in a periurban park, we analysed diel activity rhythms to assess interspecific interactions. Both lagomorphs displayed cathemeral patterns, with high temporal overlap. Between May and October, lagomorphs exhibited bimodal patterns with increased diurnal activ- ity, while between November and April, both became more nocturnal, particularly cottontails. Temporal overlap between leporids was highest in the warm season and declined in the cold one, suggesting behavioural plasticity. Primary preda- tors, red foxes Vulpes vulpes and domestic cats Felis catus, were cathemeral and overlapped more with cottontails than rabbits, with domestic cats showing the highest overlaps. European badgers Meles meles, being nocturnal, showed low to moderate overlap with leporids. The lack of consistent temporal segregation suggests that lagomorphs may also rely on spatial avoidance to mitigate predation risk. Moreover, rabbit invasiveness and competitive ability might be influenced by the admixture between domestic and wild variants. Overall, our findings suggest that temporal synchrony between rabbits and cottontails may reduce predation risk and support coexistence, highlighting the need for further research on factors shaping their population dynamics.