TIGER |
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WESTERN GHATS, INDIA
Tigers share space with leopards and dholes in large parts of their range. Although tigers are dominant predators, they still have to compete with dholes and leopards for the same prey species. In 2013, we examined mechanisms that allow tigers to co-exist with dholes and leopards in the Western Ghats. We found that the three carnivores adapted their space-use and time activity patterns to co-exist, so long as there is enough prey to sustain them. Results from this study are published here.
In 2017, we developed statistical models that could combine information from tiger population sizes at small spatial scales (inside protected reserves) with information on tiger distribution at large spatial scales (landscapes or regions) to get at a population size at the large scale. The study was published in the Journal of Agricultural, Biological & Environmental Statistics and can be accessed here.
KANHA–PENCH, CENTRAL INDIA
In the Kanha–Pench forest corridor, we adopted a multi-pronged approach to examine connectivity for tigers. We used remotely sensed information to understand potential connectivity in the landscape and complemented this with field-based surveys of habitat use by tigers. We also conducted interviews with local residents to understand patterns of livestock attacks by tigers. The study thus establishes links between human-tiger interactions and connectivity conservation. The paper based on this study is available here.
In the Kanha–Pench forest corridor, we adopted a multi-pronged approach to examine connectivity for tigers. We used remotely sensed information to understand potential connectivity in the landscape and complemented this with field-based surveys of habitat use by tigers. We also conducted interviews with local residents to understand patterns of livestock attacks by tigers. The study thus establishes links between human-tiger interactions and connectivity conservation. The paper based on this study is available here.
HUAI KHA KAENG, THAILAND
From 2006 to 2012, we camera-trapped across ~1000 sq. km of Huai Kha Kaeng using around 170 camera traps. Our goal was to estimate tiger populations and also the dynamics. Over the seven year period, tiger numbers ranged from 35 to 58, with high survival and recruitment rates. Intensive patrolling efforts since 2006 seemed to reduce poaching in the sanctuary. Our results suggested that recovery of such low tiger populations may be much slower than currently anticipated even with improved anti-poaching efforts. The paper can be found here.
From 2006 to 2012, we camera-trapped across ~1000 sq. km of Huai Kha Kaeng using around 170 camera traps. Our goal was to estimate tiger populations and also the dynamics. Over the seven year period, tiger numbers ranged from 35 to 58, with high survival and recruitment rates. Intensive patrolling efforts since 2006 seemed to reduce poaching in the sanctuary. Our results suggested that recovery of such low tiger populations may be much slower than currently anticipated even with improved anti-poaching efforts. The paper can be found here.
RANGE-WIDE, GLOBAL
In 2022–23 we conducted a comparative analysis of the competitive interactions between dholes, leopards and tigers across Asia. Examining direct interactions, population-level interactions (in space and time) and diet profiles, we show how three competing carnivores manage to coexist alongside each other across Asia's forestscapes. The paper can be accessed here.
In 2022–23 we conducted a comparative analysis of the competitive interactions between dholes, leopards and tigers across Asia. Examining direct interactions, population-level interactions (in space and time) and diet profiles, we show how three competing carnivores manage to coexist alongside each other across Asia's forestscapes. The paper can be accessed here.
