New method for field studies on the parapatric distribution of sibling species

Abstract Spatial segregation (parapatry) often occurs between closely related species. The distributions of the two species are sometimes defined with a small overlapping zone (called a `sympatric area') which generally shifts. Exclusion is necessary to explain the persistence and shift of such a spatial pattern. Field studies are carried out to identify the type of interaction that leads to the required exclusion. This is usually achieved by estimating competition and predation parameters to define the type of interaction strong enough to imply exclusion. But interaction parameters are estimated by quantitative methods which require prolonged observation (5–10 years). These estimations are…