New insights into predator–prey dynamics: First evidence of a leopard cat hunting coypus

• Published in: Ecology and evolution 2024-02, Vol.14 (2), p.e11016-n/a
• Main Authors: Park, Hee‐Bok, Lim, Anya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior; Behavioural Ecology; Biodiversity Ecology; Cameras; Cats; Conflicts of interest; Conservation Ecology; cooperative defense; coypu; Ecosystem dynamics; interspecies interaction; Introduced species; invasive prey; Invasive species; leopard cat; Myocastor coypus; Nature Notes; Nonnative species; Predation; Predator-prey interactions; Predators; Predatory behavior; Prey; Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus; Rodents; Wetlands; Writing; Zoology
• ISSN: 2045-7758; 2045-7758
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11016

We present the first documented evidence of interactions between the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) and the invasive coypu (Myocastor coypus) in South Korea, captured through camera traps in Hwapocheon wetland park from May 2015 to April 2017. Two interactions were recorded: one showing a leopard cat carrying a carcass of sub‐adult coypu and the other a 4‐min sequence of predation and defense between two species. The observed interactions indicate active predatory behavior by the leopard cat against coypus and cooperative defense by coypus. These findings shed new light on predator–prey dynamics, highlighting the leopard cat's potential role as a predator of coypus and coypus' defensive abilities. Understanding these relationships could facilitate more effective management of invasive species and offer broader implications for ecosystem dynamics and conservation strategies. This study provides the first documented evidence of interactions between the native leopard cat and the invasive coypu in South Korea, observed in the Hwapocheon wetland park from May 2015 to April 2017. Through camera traps, the research unveils active predatory behavior by leopard cats against coypus and the cooperative defense mechanisms exhibited by the coypus.