Influence of season, sex, and interspecific interactions on the diel activity patterns of two sympatric African small carnivores

Abstract

Animal activity patterns vary seasonally and between species, facilitating species coexistence. In Africa, however, factors affecting the activity of many small carnivores remain poorly understood, especially for congeneric and sympatric species whose similar sizes may lead to interspecific competition. Here, we investigated differences and variations in the activity patterns of two sympatric Viverridae species in a seasonal African landscape. We continuously radio-tracked 15 small-spotted genets (Genetta genetta) and five Cape genets (G. tigrina) over 24-h cycles throughout the year. We analysed the effects of season, sex, and interspecific interactions on circadian rhythms using multi-cosinor regression models. Both species maintained a nocturnal activity pattern year-round, decreasing activity significantly during the cold-dry season. This pattern aligns with the thermoregulatory hypothesis—especially for species with an elongated body like genets—suggesting decreased activity under extreme cold weather conditions to conserve energy. Females in both species were less active than males, possibly due to their smaller home ranges, especially during the cold-dry season. These effects were particularly pronounced in Cape genets, which primarily inhabit riverine forests. Female Cape genets adjusted their activity onset, possibly to minimize encounters with males, mostly during the hot-wet season when caring for their offspring. Small-spotted genets shifted their activity onset and peak in riverine forests—areas of potential contact with Cape genets—compared to areas without Cape genets. Overall, our study underscores the critical role of seasonal environmental changes and interspecific interactions in shaping the activity patterns of two carnivore species within a semi-arid Albany Thicket landscape.