Spatio-Temporal Niche Differentiation of Alpine Musk Deer, Chinese Serow, and Tufted Deer in Changdu Prefecture, Tibet, China

TL;DR

This study explores how three deer species in Tibet coexist by using different habitats and activity times, helping inform conservation efforts.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into spatio-temporal niche differentiation among three sympatric ungulates in a high-altitude ecosystem.

Findings

Tufted deer occupy fragmented forest habitats, while alpine musk deer and Chinese serow have broader distributions with significant spatial overlap.

Chinese serow is primarily nocturnal, reducing competition through temporal partitioning with other species.

The findings highlight how spatial and temporal niche differentiation supports coexistence in alpine ecosystems.

Abstract

Understanding how species coexist is essential for conserving biodiversity. This study investigates the spatio-temporal niche differentiation among three sympatric ungulates—alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Chinese serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii), and tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus)—in Changdu, Tibet. Using data from 186 camera traps and species distribution models (SDMs), we analyzed their habitat preferences and daily activity rhythms. The results revealed distinct patterns: Tufted deer occupied smaller, fragmented forest habitats (total suitable area: 14,968 km2), while alpine musk deer (41,909 km2) and Chinese serow (36,954 km2) showed broader distributions with significant spatial overlap (26,869 km2). Temporally, tufted deer and alpine musk deer exhibited diurnal activity with peak overlaps (Δ = 0.88), whereas chinese serow was primarily nocturnal, reducing direct competition through temporal partitioning (Δ = 0.76–0.82; all p < 0.001). These findings underscore how spatial and temporal niche differentiation facilitates coexistence, providing a scientific basis for targeted conservation strategies in high-altitude ecosystems.

Knowledge of the mechanisms of species coexistence is crucial for biodiversity conservation. The tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), and Chinese serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii) are all found in alpine ecosystems in Tibet, China. To investigate how these sympatric species achieve stable coexistence, we compared species distribution models and diurnal activity rhythms to analyze their spatial and temporal niche characteristics based on data collected from 186 camera traps set in Changdu prefecture. The results indicate he following: (1) In Changdu, the total area of suitable habitats for tufted deer, alpine musk deer and Chinese serow are 14,968 km2, 41,909 km2, and 36,954 km2, respectively. These areas represent approximately 13.62%, 38.14%, and 33.63% of the study area, respectively. (2) The total overlapping area of suitable habitats between tufted deer and alpine musk deer is 5102 km2. The total overlapping area of suitable habitats between tufted deer and Chinese serow is 6483 km2. Additionally, the total overlapping area of suitable habitats between alpine musk deer and Chinese serow amounts to 26,869 km2. (3) The overlap index for daily activity rhythms between tufted deer and alpine musk deer is 0.88—this difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Similarly, the overlap index for daily activity rhythms between tufted deer and Chinese serow is 0.82—also significantly different (p < 0.001). Lastly, the overlap index for daily activity rhythms between alpine musk deer and Chinese serow is 0.76—again showing a significant difference (p < 0.001). The results provide valuable insight into conservation strategies aimed at preserving populations and habitats of tufted deer, alpine musk deer, and Chinese serow while contributing to a deeper understanding of resource partitioning mechanisms as well as population dynamics among coexisting species.

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