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\begin{document}

\title{dDNA metabarcoding reveals dietary niche partitioning between sympatric
Iberian sandgrouse and bustards}



\author[1]{Xabier Cabodevilla}%
\author[2]{Manuel  Ortiz-Santaliestra}%
\author[2]{Mario Fernández-Tizón}%
\author[3]{Julia Zurdo}%
\author[4]{María José Madeira}%
\author[1]{David Giralt}%
\author[1]{Francesc Sardà-Palomera}%
\author[2]{María José  Fernández Benéitez}%
\author[2]{Francois Mougeot}%
\affil[1]{CTFC}%
\affil[2]{Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos}%
\affil[3]{Universidad Autónoma de Madrid}%
\affil[4]{Universidad del Pais Vasco Facultad de Farmacia}%


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  \date{June 11, 2024}


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\begin{abstract}
The study of dietary niche partitioning is of great importance for
understanding community structure and species coexistence, particularly
if these are threatened. Here we used DNA metabarcoding from faeces to
assess the diet of four threatened steppe birds (two bustards and two
sandgrouse), with the aim of better understanding their dietary
requirements, trophic interactions and potential threats. We found
seasonal and interspecific differences in their plant diet, with greater
importance of cultivated plants during autumn and winter (around 50\% of
their diet) than spring. Despite differences, plants of the genus
Convolvulus and of the family Brassicaceae were frequently consumed by
all species. In spring, poppies were a considerable part of their diet,
and could be used as a source of carotenoids or for their anti-parasitic
properties. Furthermore, the results also showed a dietary niche
partitioning between species, with a marked segregation between bustards
and, to a lesser extent, between sandgrouse. Diet similarity was
generally higher between species from different orders that occur in
mixed-species flocks (bustard - sandgrouse) than between species from
the same order. This partitioning was probably related to a
stratification in habitat use rather than to specialization and might
prevent competition to some extent. However, the homogenization of
trophic resources resulting from agricultural intensification could pose
an important threat, particularly during autumn, when weeds are scarcer
and the most abundant trophic resource are sown seeds, which are often
treated with pesticides.%
\end{abstract}%



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