Co-occurrence and Spatial-Temporal Niche Overlap between Banteng (Bos javanicus) and Gaur (Bos gaurus) in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand

Understanding how ecologically similar large herbivores coexist is vital for tropical wildlife conservation. This study examined the spatial co-occurrence and temporal niche overlap of banteng (Bos javanicus) and gaur (Bos gaurus) in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Camera-trap surveys conducted biennially from 2014 to 2022, comprising five survey years with a total sampling effort of 31,364 trap nights across 1,163 locations were analyzed using single- and multi-species occupancy models. Banteng occupancy was negatively related to elevation and distances from dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forests, indicating preference for lowland habitats. In contrast, gaur occupancy increased with elevation and distance to streams, reflecting broader habitat flexibility. Multi-species models showed no strong spatial interaction (fss = 0.30 ± 0.23), and predicted maps revealed spatial segregation banteng concentrated in lowlands, gaur in uplands. Niche analyses indicated moderate geographic overlap (Schoener’s D = 0.66) but low environmental overlap (D = 0.34) with significant niche differentiation (p = 0.001). Temporally, banteng were crepuscular (peaking at 18:00) whereas gaur were diurnal (peaking at 06:00), resulting in low overlap (Dhat1 = 0.24–0.45). These findings suggest that spatial segregation and temporal partitioning reduce interspecific competition, facilitating coexistence between banteng and gaur. The results highlight key ecological mechanisms for managing habitats and conserving these threatened wild cattle in Southeast Asia.