Plant-animal interactions at the landscape level become particularly relevant when land use is diversified. Nothofagus forests in southern Patagonia have been used for timber and cattle grazing purposes during the last century, causing livestock to increase (Bos taurus and Ovis aries) and large native herbivores, such as guanaco (Lama guanicoe), either maintained or decreased their populations. Within this scenario, feeding interactions between guanaco and domestic herbivores were analysed in a mosaic of open habitats and different Nothofagus forest types and management histories, whereby a total of six habitat types were identified through satellite image analysis. A total of 205 floristic surveys were conducted to characterize the plant species composition at the landscape level. Diet composition of herbivores was assessed once each season during a year, using microhistological analysis of feces. Results showed higher plant richness in open lands and lower in closed, unmanaged forests.

We evaluated the potential for interspecific competition for forage between huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) and livestock in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina. We studied winter diets based on microhistological analysis of fecal samples. Huemul selected herbs and shrubs, sheep showed preference for herbs and grasses, and cattle selected grasses. As predicted for small‐bodied species, huemul had a narrower dietary niche than did larger bodied cattle. Competition for forage would be more likely between huemul and sheep than between huemul and cattle. Our results might be helpful to managers in areas where domestic and wild ungulates live in sympatry in order to reduce competition, especially in wintering areas where food is scarce.

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