Abstract: Species with sympatric distributions typically undergo ecological niche differentiation to minimize competition and facilitate coexistence. This research explores the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of the Chinese ferret-bad-ger (Melogale moschata) and masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), their interactions with environmental factors, and the mechanisms behind their coexistence. We analyzed the daily activity rhythms and the degree of temporal niche overlap between these species within the Lushan National Nature Reserve using daily activity intensity index, kernel density estimation, and overlap index methods. The MaxEnt model was used to predict suitable habitats for both species and ecological niche overlap was assessed using ENMTools 1. 4. 4. We also compare their spatial niche preferences and investigate how environmental factors influence their coexistence strategies. The results reveal that both the Chinese ferret-badger and masked palm civet are predominantly nocturnal. They exhibit a high degree of overlap in their daily activity rhythms (Δ = 0.93, P > 0. 05), indicating that temporal niche differentiation does not significantly reduce competition between them. Suitable habitats for both species are primarily located along the forest edges at the mountain bases within the reserve, where there is substantial spatial overlap, although some differences exist. Both species show similar preferences for environmental factors, with altitude being the most significant, yet they differ in their preferences for vegetation types and slopes. These spatial differences in ecological niches may help mitigate competition for food resources and territories. This study underscores that the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of the Chinese ferret-badger and masked palm civet in the Lushan National Nature Reserve exhibit minimal niche differentiation. It is recommended to fully consider the environmental tolerance of both species, actively enhance habitat protection, and control human distur-bances to effectively conserve these and other sympatric species.

Key words: Chinese ferret-badger (Melogale moschata), Masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), Daily activity patterns, Spatial distribution, Lushan National Nature Reserve

摘要： 同域分布的物种通过生态位分化减少竞争，实现共存。为探究同域分布鼬獾(Melogale moschata)和花面狸(Paguma larvata)的时空分布格局，了解两者与环境因子的相互关系以及共存机制。采用日活动强度指数、核密度估计法和重叠指数法对庐山国家级自然保护区鼬獾和花面狸的活动节律及其时间生态位重叠程度进行分析，以MaxEnt模型对二者的适宜栖息地进行预测，并根据预测结果运用ENMTools 1.4.4计算二者的生态位重叠度，比较二者在空间生态位上的选择差异，同时探讨环境因子对二者共存机制的影响。结果表明：鼬獾和花面狸均属于典型的夜行性动物，二者日活动节律重叠指数较高(Δ=0.93,P > 0.05)，且未通过时间生态位的分化来减少竞争；鼬獾和花面狸共同适宜栖息地主要分布在庐山保护区的山脚林缘，空间分布格局大量重叠，也存在一定差异；二者对环境因子的选择具有相似性，均受海拔影响最大，但在植被类型和坡度选择上存在一定差异，二者通过空间生态位的部分差异来避免对食物资源和领域的竞争。本研究揭示了鼬獾与花面狸在庐山保护区的时空分布格局，结果表明二者时空生态位分化不明显，建议充分考虑二者对环境因子的耐受能力，积极探讨加强栖息地保护，合理控制人为干扰，以实现对两个物种甚至更多同域近缘物种的有效保护。

关键词: 鼬獾, 花面狸, 日活动节律, 空间格局, 庐山国家级自然保护区