In this paper we expose experimental issues faced in a closed-loop networked control system. We also propose some compensation actions, and evaluate their performance for different experimental setups, focusing specifically on time delays.

In ecosystems, seasonal fluctuations in the availability of resources can promote effects on species with similar trophic requirements, increasing the probability of interspecific competition. This scenario becomes more evident in human–dominated landscapes where homogenization of space can contribute to the shortage of resources, modifying species feeding behavior to an uncertain degree. Understanding how these species modify their feeding habits within the context of habitat transformation is of special interest. We evaluated the diversity of prey and overlap for two predators, the chilla fox Lycalopex griseus and the barn owl Tyto alba, during three seasons in 2018 (winter, spring and summer). The study was based on the analysis of feces and pellets in a landscape with agricultural predominance in Southern–central Chile. We found the chilla fox had a generalist dietary profile, feeding on a broad spectrum of prey, with predominance of lagomorphs and, to a lesser extent, rodents. In contrast, the diet of the barn owl mainly consisted of small rodents, with little variation across seasons. Analyses of dietary overlap showed fluctuations during the periods surveyed, with a maximum value in winter and a minimum value in spring. Variations in the consumption of prey based on their size could facilitate their coexistence in the study area.

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Lycalopex griseus is a canid distributed in Chile and part of Argentina. Although its food habits have been extensively documented, data for anthropized environments are missing. Understanding the response of this species in these habitats is key, given the progressive modification of the landscape throughout its range. The study area is an agroecosystem of southern-central Chile. Scats were collected throughout the study area and analyzed in the laboratory. Food remains in scats were identified to species and quantified, considering the percentage of the various prey categories in terms of both relative frequency and relative biomass. Thirteen categories were found, with rodents dominating in terms of both relative frequency and percent biomass, followed by birds and arthropods. The presence of exotic species in the food spectrum is highlighted, represented by orders Lagomorpha and Rodentia. Plant material was found to a lesser extent. The diversity of preys evidences that Lycalopex griseus is mainly generalist in this type of habitat, as arboreal species were scarce in the diet, an expected finding considering the predominance of herbaceous vegetation in the study area. Lagomorphs were poorly represented compared to other latitudes, suggesting segregation with other species. Lycalopex griseus es un cánido presente en Chile y parte de Argentina. Aunque sus hábitos alimentarios han sido ampliamente documentados, existen vacíos en lo que respecta al conocimiento de la ecología de esta especie en ambientes antropizados. Comprender la respuesta de esta especie a estos hábitats es relevante debido a la progresiva modificación del paisaje a lo largo de su distribución, siendo el área de estudio un agroecosistema del centro-sur de Chile. Excretas de la especie fueron colectadas a lo largo del área de estudio para su posterior análisis en laboratorio. Los restos de las excretas fueron identificados a nivel de especie y cuantificados, considerando la representación de las distintas categorías de presa tanto en términos de frecuencia relativa como de aporte de biomasa. Se registraron 13 categorías, predominando los roedores tanto en términos de frecuencia relativa como de aporte total de biomasa, seguido por aves y artrópodos. Se destaca la presencia de especies exóticas en este espectro, representados en los órdenes Lagomorpha y Rodentia. En una baja representación se encontró material vegetal. La diversidad de las presas observadas da cuenta de que éstas constituyen principalmente especies generalistas de hábitat, con una mínima representación de especies de hábitos arbóreos, considerando la predominancia de vegetación herbácea en el área de estudio. La representación de lagomorfos es menor en comparación con otras latitudes, por lo que se sugiere su segregación con otras especies.

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