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| Sinha, S.; Sharma, L.K.; Nathawat, M.S. | |
| Tigers losing grounds: impact of anthropogenic occupancy on tiger habitat suitability using integrated geospatial-fuzzy techniques | |
| 2012 The Ecoscan: 259-263 | |
Sariska Wildlife Reserve, Rajasthan, India is a protected area facing massive anthropogenic threats owing to local inhabitants residing within the area. During 2005, all the tigers (Panthera tigris) extirpated from here. With 10 villages sited within the core zone I, a total of 31 villages are located in the entire reserve in addition to more than 200 villages present in the contiguous area. Lack of viable alternatives compels the people to rely greatly on the park resources for their livelihood. In present conditions, HSI of tiger was estimated to be 0.88 ñ 0.060, while under ideal conditions of complete absence of the villages, the HSI was improved to 0.92 ñ 0.048. Using integrated geospatial-fuzzy techniques, potential best suitable tiger habitats with and without anthropogenic interferences show nearly 2% decrease for poorly suitable areas and 7% increase in highly suitable areas for tigers in absence of settlements; also revealed by enhanced habitat suitability index. Our integrated methodology includes GIS-MCDA, Fuzzy AHP Triangular and HSI analysis with inputs from remote sensing, GIS and GPS. The study can help formulate management strategies for conserving tiger habitats by relocating the villages within and around the reserve and thus minimizing human impacts on tiger habitats. |
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