Prey Preferences of the Large Predators of Asia

Abstract

Asia supports the world’s second most diverse large predator guild with iconic species such as tigers Panthera tigris, leopards P. pardus, snow leopards P. uncia, dholes Cuon alpinus, wolves Canis lupus, bears Melursus ursinus, and jackals, Canis aurea. In this paper, we review the prey preferences of some members of this large predator guild to illustrate the key dietary resources required for their conservation. We show that there is limited preferred prey overlap, with all predators exhibiting unique preferred prey with the exception of dholes. Most key prey species are secure, but sambar is not and is the sole preferred prey species of dholes, suggesting that a declining prey base could further threaten the conservation of dholes. We urge conservation managers to ensure there is an adequate prey base for all of Asia’s large predators, particularly newly protected species such as gazelles. This information can be used to predict predator diets, movement patterns, and carrying capacities for the large predator guilds of Africa.