Abstract
Area preference of three GPS tagged re-introduced tigresses (viz. ST3, ST9 and ST10) within their home ranges (MCP100%) was done in Sariska tiger reserve (STR). The exercise was based on their point locations using GIS technology for the period of 2018-19. The observed percentage of period spent in dense forest area (ST3=91%, ST9=72.2% & ST10=93.2%) shows the preference for the dense forest as compared to the degraded forest and human settlement areas or agriculture fields within the STR. The present study further demonstrates the role of terrain, especially deep valleys/gorges and availability of perennial water sources as factors responsible for area preference by tigresses. Identification of such spots preferred by tigers in the reserve, their mapping and according maximum protection from anthropogenic interferences is recommended.
Highlights
Tiger (Panthera tigris L.) is the largest of all felidsHome range is an area where animal spends most of its time
In Sariska tiger reserve (STR) too, past studies highlighting the role of natural prey base in determining the area occupancy of wild tigers have already been demonstrated in tiger range countries (Sankar & Johnsingh 2002; Sankar et al 2005; Sankar et al 2010; Sankar et al 2013)
Studies demonstrate the role of natural prey base in determining the area occupancy of tigers
Summary
Home range is an area where animal spends most of its time. It is normally traversed by an individual animal or group of animals during activities associated with feeding, resting, reproduction, shelter seeking and other factors important to an animal’s survival (Burt 1943, Harestad & Bunnell 1979; Sanderson 1966). It occupies the top position in the food chain of the forest ecosystem It occupies a prominent position in decision making of wildlife management across the globe, especially in tiger range countries. Reporting of one cub from ST10 and three cubs from ST12 at the beginning of 2020 increased the tiger number in STR. Limited numbers of studies are available demonstrating the role of terrain, dense forest and availability of perennial water sources for determining the area preference of tigers in STR. The present study was done to get answers to the following questions, (1) is there any role of dense forest in determining the area preference of tigers? The present study is based on the point locations as received from the satellite transmitters fitted in their collar and we attempted to answer the questions as cited above
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