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- Title
The role of melanism in oncillas on the temporal segregation of nocturnal activity.
- Authors
Graipel, M. E.; Oliveira-Santos, L. G. R.; Goulart, F. V. B.; Tortato, M. A.; Miller, P. R. M.; Cáceres, N. C.
- Abstract
The occurrence of coat colour polymorphisms in populations may promote the ecological success of species by permitting a wider spectrum of use of different subsets of available resources. We conducted an analysis of temporal segregation by comparing night brightness with nocturnal activity of spotted and melanistic oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus). Melanistic oncillas were more active during bright nights and spotted oncillas and other species were more active during dark nights. Each colour morph occupied a temporal niche outside the confidence interval of the other colour morph, demonstrating the ecological significance of polymorphic colour patterns in this felid species.
- Subjects
MELANISM; LEOPARDUS tigrinus; NOCTURNAL animal activity; GENETIC polymorphisms; MAMMAL populations; ANIMAL species
- Publication
Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2014, Vol 74, p142
- ISSN
1519-6984
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1590/1519-6984.14312