"Differential capture success and the interspecific association of the " by Rebecca M. Bingham-Byrne, Michael L. Kennedy et al.
 

Differential capture success and the interspecific association of the virginia opossum (didelphis virginiana) and raccoon (procyon lotor)

Abstract

Interspecific association plays a key role in the occurrence and abundance of animal populations. Yet, the association of many species is poorly understood, especially with distantly related species such as Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) and raccoons (Procyon lotor), which have broad niche overlap. Because of the need to better understand the interactions of such species, we assessed the relationship of capture rates of these two species by using live-Trap data collected over 6 years of work at the Hobart Ames Plantation and Edward J. Meeman Biological Station in western Tennessee. We found captures of Virginia opossums, raccoons, and both species combined differed across years, but we observed no relationship between the two species. Although water did not need to be within the immediate area of capture for both species, it needed to be close enough for easy access. Raccoons seemed to have no preference of forest type, but Virginia opossums were positively correlated with deciduous forest, which could suggest resource partitioning between the two species. Overall, interactions between the two species suggested a neutral relationship.

Publication Title

Southwestern Naturalist

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