Intra- and Interspecific Spatial-temporal Interactions Driven Habitat Selection of Sympatric Three Top Predators

The population distribution and habitat selection of top predators are critically important for species conservation and habitat management. While previous studies have identified environmental characteristics and food resources as factors influencing animal habitat selection, the roles of potential intra- and interspecific competition have often been overlooked. In this study, we analyzed camera trap data to investigate the population dynamics and habitat selection of sympatric Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica), Amur leopards (P. pardus orientalis), and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) across a six- year period (2014 – 2019) in the Hunchun region, China. The results of the study indicated a significant increase in the population density of Amur tigers ( P = 0.05) and Amur leopards ( P = 0.035), but no significant change for Asiatic black bears ( P = 0.86) during this period. Furthermore, as the population densities of three species grew, their respective population growth rates exhibited a declining trend. This study highlights that the habitat selection of top predators results from the combined effects of intra- and interspecific interactions, as well as environmental and prey availability. Specifically, the densities of Amur tigers and leopards influenced their own habitat use, while tiger and leopard densities also affected the habitat selection of Asiatic black bears. Consequently, the development of future conservation strategies must incorporate the spatial distribution range and habitat selection interaction of sympatric large carnivores as a top predator guild. Additionally, targeted migration and dispersal efforts are implemented for specific species to achieve sustainable population growth.