Activity patterns of wild mammals and spatiotemporal interactions with domestic carnivores in a periurban protected area of the Caatinga dry forest, Northeastern Brazil

Mammals are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances, making it crucial to understand their interactions with exotic species like domestic dogs and cats for effective conservation and management. This study examines the activity patterns of medium-sized mammals and their spatiotemporal overlap with domestic carnivores in a peri-urban protected area of the Brazilian dry forest. Using camera trap data and circular statistics, we analyzed species' activity patterns while the activity overlap coefficient (triangle) and species interaction factor (SIF) assessed potential spatiotemporal segregation. A total sampling effort of 1,379 camera-days recorded 676 detections of medium- to large-sized mammals, including nine native, and three exotic species. Two threatened felids (Leopardus tigrinus and Herpailurus yagouaroundi) were observed. One species was nocturnal, two mainly nocturnal, four cathemeral, and one crepuscular. Most species exhibited low (e.g. S. gouazoubira, P. cancrivorus, D. albiventris and C. jacchus) to moderate (E. sexcinctus, C. thous, L. tigrinus) temporal overlap with domestic carnivores, suggesting varying degrees of segregation. However, spatial overlap may increase predation risks, while spatial segregation could benefit certain species. These findings enhance our understanding of mammal vulnerability to human-related threats in the Caatinga and provide insights for conservation planning in peri-urban dry forests.