IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Karanth, K.U.; Dhanwatey, H.; Dhanwatey, P.; Metha, P.; Kulkarni, J.; Kumar, N.S. | |
| Distribution and dynamics of tiger and prey populations in Maharashtra, India | |
| 2005 Full Book | |
Maharashtra is one of the important tiger range states in the country. The state has an impressive variety of wildlife habitats and has a potential tiger habitat of about 6,000 - 9,000 km2. The state has implemented several positive measures to improve the status of wildlife and its habitat in Maharashtra. However, there are no reliable estimates of tiger populations for any of the key tiger habitats in Maharashtra or any measures of their relative abundance in order to adaptively react to their management needs. There is a need to monitor tiger and prey populations in a few select habitats with potentially viable breeding tiger populations in Maharashtra to ensure their long-term survival. This project established ecological benchmarks for monitoring three critical, productive tiger and prey populations in three of the high potential areas (Tadoba-Andhari, Melghat and Pench) of the state. The project also helped provide a valid base for the scientific management of these areas, as well as to evaluate to what extent tigers, prey and habitat are responding to the management and conservation interventions, which are being implemented by the states and non-governmental organizations under other projects. The original objectives of the project were: 1. To estimate population densities of the principal prey species in three selected sites, using the line transect method 2. To estimate population densities of tigers and leopards using camera trap capture-recapture surveys 3. To develop simple trend-indices of relative abundance for monitoring tiger and prey populations 4. To assess and map the current distribution status of tigers in Maharashtra 5. To train Maharashtra State Forest Department staff at different levels in monitoring activities 6. To identify motivated and qualified officers in the Forest Department and other personnel for advanced career development by offering support for registration and guidance for obtaining higher degrees in wildlife biology and management. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |