Identifying realistic recovery targets and conservation actions for tigers in a human dominated landscape using spatially-explicit densities of wild prey and their determinants

Harihar, Abishek, Pandav, Bivash, MacMillan, Douglas C. (2014) Identifying realistic recovery targets and conservation actions for tigers in a human dominated landscape using spatially-explicit densities of wild prey and their determinants. Diversity and Distributions, 20 (5). pp. 567-578. ISSN 1366-9516. (doi:10.1111/ddi.12174) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided)

Abstract

Aim Setting realistic population targets and identifying actions for site and landscape-level recovery plans are critical for achieving the global target of doubling wild tiger numbers by 2022. Here, we estimate the spatially explicit densities of wild ungulate prey across a gradient of disturbances in two disjunct tiger habitat blocks (THBs) covering 5212 km2, to evaluate landscape-wide conditions for tigers and identify opportunities and specific actions for recovery. Location Western Terai Arc Landscape, India. Methods Data generated from 96 line transects in 15 systematically selected geographical cells (166.5 km2) were used to estimate spatially explicit densities of six wild ungulate prey species at a fine scale (1 km2). Employing distance-based density surface models, we derived species-specific estimates within three major forest land management categories (inviolate protected areas (PA), PAs with settlements and multiple-use forests). By scaling estimated prey densities using an established relationship, we predicted the carrying capacity for tigers within each THB. Results Species-specific responses of the six wild ungulates to natural-habitat and anthropogenic covariates indicated the need for targeted prey recovery strategies. Inviolate PAs supported the highest prey densities compared with PAs with settlements and multiple-use forests, and specifically benefited the principal tiger prey species (chital Axis axis and sambar Rusa unicolor). The estimated mean prey density of 35.16 (±5.67) individuals per km2 can potentially support 82 (62–106) and 299 (225–377) tigers across THB I and THB II, which currently support 2 (2–7) and 225 (199–256) tigers, respectively. This suggests a potential c. 68% increase in population size given existing prey abundances. Finally, while THB I represents a potential tiger recovery site given adequate prey, PAs where resettlement of pastoralists is underway represent potential prey recovery sites in THB II. Main conclusions This systematic approach of setting realistic population targets and prioritizing spatially explicit recovery strategies should aid in developing effective landscape conservation plans towards achieving global tiger conservation targets.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1111/ddi.12174
Uncontrolled keywords:	Anthropogenic disturbance, carrying capacity, density surface modelling, inviolate, multiple-use forests, protected areas.
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
Divisions:	Faculties > Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation Faculties > Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Depositing User:	Douglas MacMillan
Date Deposited:	12 Feb 2014 11:55 UTC
Last Modified:	29 May 2019 11:51 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/38242 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)