Potential for the interaction of free-ranging dogs with native mesocarnivores in a peri-urban protected area of western Mexico

The growing presence of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in protected natural areas (PAs), particularly in those located near cities, poses a threat to native fauna through disease transmission, antagonistic interactions, and hybridization. Mexico has one of the world’s largest dog populations, and urbanization is threatening several of its protected areas (PAs) and their wildlife. To assess the potential for antagonistic interactions, we analyzed the spatial and temporal activity patterns of dogs and three native mesocarnivores—Canis latrans, Lynx rufus, and Urocyon cinereoargenteus—in the peri-urban National Park Barranca del Cupatitzio (NPBC) in western Mexico. From January 2023 to March 2024, we set up 10 camera traps throughout the NPBC to survey mammal activity. Urocyon cinereoargenteus had the highest recording frequency (n = 253), and L. rufus (n = 25) had the lowest recording. Canis latrans and C. lupus familiaris had the greatest overlap in daily activity (∆=0.81), while C. lupus familiaris and L. rufus had the least (∆=0.58). The species with the highest spatial coincidence were C. latrans and U. cinereoargenteus (Jaccard index = 0.84), and the species with the least were L. rufus and C. latrans (Jaccard index = 0.28). There is a high potential for dogs to affect native fauna negatively.