Evaluating the Influence of Environmental and Anthropogenic Factors on Apex Predator-Prey in the tropical rainforests of Guyana

Keywords: Tropical rainforest, Species occupancy, Camera trap data.
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Human activities can limit the ranges of large mammals in the forest from habitat fragmentation. Studying a species in its habitat is essential to understanding how it responds to anthropogenic changes. In biodiverse tropical regions, it is essential to understand both biotic interactions among species and abiotic variables influencing their habitats. This study investigates the spatial distribution and interactions of apex predators—jaguars and pumas—and their primary prey—deer and peccaries—in Guyana's tropical rainforest. This research uses camera trap data to examine how environmental factors like NDVI, elevation, hill shade, and anthropogenic factors such as distance from water bodies, roads, and farms influence species occupancy and detection. The multispecies occupancy model is used in this analysis. The results indicate a substantial influence of environmental variables, such as proximity to water and elevation, on species distribution compared to anthropogenic factors. Jaguars showed higher occupancy near water sources and denser habitats, while pumas demonstrated more occupancy near higher elevations. Deer were more likely to occupy areas near water. These findings provide insights into the status of the predator-prey dynamics in tropical ecosystems.