Predator-Prey movement interactions: jaguars and peccaries in the spotlight

Understanding how the landscape influences the distribution and behavior of predators and prey gives us insights into the spatial dynamics of their interactions and the factors that shape their populations across space and time. This study analyzed interactions between jaguars (Panthera onca) and white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) at different forest and grassland distances and under varying predator or prey densities. To investigate the influence of these variables on interactions, we considered analytical contexts “The Dynamic Interaction Index, which represents attraction or avoidance behavior. We also calculated the proximity between predator and prey over time by assessing the distance among their locations. By analyzing GPS-movement data from three jaguars and five peccaries over 44 days, we observed that close distances (within 700 m) were uncommon, and distances within a range of 3 to 5 km were more prevalent. Most interactions occurred at greater distances from grasslands. In addition, our results show an increased frequency of jaguar-peccary interactions under low, white-lipped peccary densities. These insights enhance our understanding of the Pantanal's predator-prey dynamics, highlighting spatial-temporal movement patterns. Considering this, we can better inform conservation strategies by identifying zones that facilitate these interactions. Emphasizing habitat structures and prey density's roles contributes to preserving the ecosystem's delicate predator-prey balance. In conclusion, our findings show for the first time a more detailed analysis of the interaction of these two species that are currently threatened, and conserving them and their natural habitats is vital for maintaining the Pantanal's ecological balance.