IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Jhala, Y.V.; Gopal, R.; Qureshi, Q. | |
| Status of Tigers, Co-Predators & Prey in India | |
| 2008 Full Book | |
This report evaluates the current status of tigers, co-predators and their prey in India. It is the outcome of a country-wide effort to scientifically determine the occupancy, population limits, habitat condition and connectivity, so as to guide conservation planning for ensuring the survival of free ranging tigers. The study shifts the focus from tiger number and protected area oriented conservation practices to landscape level holistic conservation strategies. The methodology consisted of a three phase approach to sample all forested habitats in tiger states. A double sampling approach was used to first estimate occupancy and relative abundance of tigers, co-predators, and prey through sign and encounter rates in all forested areas. A team of researchers then sampled a subset of these areas using robust statistical approaches like mark-recapture and distance sampling to estimate absolute densities of tigers and their prey. Covariate information was generated using remotely sensed data and attribute data using Geographic Information System. Indices (tiger signs, prey relative abundance indices, habitat characteristics) were then calibrated against absolute densities and the relationships used for extrapolation of tiger densities within a landscape. Tiger numbers were obtained for contiguous patches of occupied forests by using average densities for that population block. Numbers and densities are reported as adult tigers with a standard error range. Tiger occupied forests in India have been classified into 6 landscape complexes; namely (a) Shivalik-Gangetic Plains, (b) Central Indian Landscape Complex (c) Eastern Ghats, (d) Western Ghats, (e) North-Eastern Hills and Bhramaputra Plains, and (f) Sunderbans. Tiger populations within these landscape complexes are likely to share a common gene pool, since tiger habitats within these landscape complexes were contiguous during the recent past. Each landscape complex consists of landscape units that still have contiguous tiger habitat and contain one to many breeding populations of tigers (source populations). Within each landscape unit there exists a potential to manage some of the tiger populations as meta-populations. This enhances the conservation potential of each of the single populations and the probability of their long-term persistence. Occupancy of a forest patch by tigers was negatively correlated with human disturbance indices and positively correlated with prey availability, forest patch and core sizes. For establishing and maintaining high density source populations of tigers it is essential to set aside inviolate areas devoid of human presence within each landscape. These source populations should be connected through multiple use forests (buffers and corridors) where human land uses conducive to maintaining low density tiger occupancy are permitted and fostered by providing appropriate incentives to local communities. |
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