Spatio-temporal interactions between wild and free-ranging domestic ungulates in the Central Pyrenees

Human encroachment into wilderness areas through deforestation and land-use changes for agriculture and livestock has greatly threatened wild ungulate survival by causing habitat loss and resource depletion. When wild and domestic ungulates share habitats, the former may adopt spatio-temporal strategies to avoid negative interactions such as disease transmission and resource competition. However, such avoidance often forces wild ungulates into lower-quality habitats, in turn affecting their fitness. This study, using camera trap data from summers between 2017 and 2020 in the Central Pyrenees, examined spatio-temporal interactions between wild and domestic ungulates. We employed single-season multispecies occupancy and conditional occupancy models, alongside analyses of activity patterns and temporal overlap. The results indicate that chamois may exhibit weak spatial separation from cattle, whereas wild boar show clear temporal avoidance. These findings suggest that cattle presence may disturb wild ungulates, particularly chamois, and should be managed at sustainable densities to align with conservation goals. Still, livestock grazing supports local livelihoods. A balanced approach is therefore essential, requiring careful monitoring of both wild and domestic ungulate presence to ensure ecosystem integrity while meeting human needs.