scholarly journals Prey depletion as a threat to the world's large carnivores

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 160252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Wolf ◽  
William J. Ripple
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Clouded Leopard ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Large Carnivore ◽  
Carnivore Species ◽  
Prey Depletion

Large terrestrial carnivores are an ecologically important, charismatic and highly endangered group of species. Here, we assess the importance of prey depletion as a driver of large carnivore endangerment globally using lists of prey species for each large carnivore compiled from the literature. We consider spatial variation in prey endangerment, changes in endangerment over time and the causes of prey depletion, finding considerable evidence that loss of prey base is a major and wide-ranging threat among large carnivore species. In particular, the clouded leopard ( Neofelis nebulosa ), Sunda clouded leopard ( Neofelis diardi ), tiger ( Panthera tigris ), dhole ( Cuon alpinus ) and Ethiopian wolf ( Canis simensis ) all have at least 40% of their prey classified as threatened on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and, along with the leopard ( Panethra pardus ), all of these species except the Ethiopian wolf have at least 50% of their prey classified as declining. Of the 494 prey species in our analysis, an average of just 6.9% of their ranges overlap protected areas. Together these results show the importance of a holistic approach to conservation that involves protecting both large carnivores directly and the prey upon which they depend.

scholarly journals Temporal partitioning by felids, dholes and their potential prey in northern Laos

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 679-689
Author(s):  
Akchousanh Rasphone ◽  
Jan F. Kamler ◽  
David W. Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Potential Prey ◽  
Small Rodents ◽  
Clouded Leopard ◽  
Main Prey ◽  
Temporal Partitioning ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Carnivore Species ◽  
Prionailurus Bengalensis ◽  
Temporal Overlap

Abstract Temporal partitioning can allow sympatric carnivores to coexist, especially if overlap of other resources is high. Using camera trap data from 2013 to 2017, we investigated the temporal partitioning of a community of wild felids and a canid in Nam Et–Phou Louey National Protected Area, Laos, to determine the extent to which temporal avoidance might be facilitating coexistence of similarly sized carnivores. We also investigated temporal overlap of these carnivore species and their presumed main prey, to determine if their activity is likely most influenced by their prey or potential competitors. The dhole (Cuon alpinus) and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), the two largest carnivores, had low temporal overlap, and activity appeared to be synchronized with the main prey for dhole, but not clouded leopard. Thus, it was possible that clouded leopard used temporal partitioning to coexist with dhole. The temporal overlap of Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) was high with clouded leopard and moderate with dhole, and overall appeared to be influenced most by its presumed prey species, rather than by its potential competitors. The two small felids had the least temporal overlap between any species, as the marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) was primarily diurnal whereas the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) was primarily nocturnal. Given that the two small felids reportedly have similar diets consisting of small rodents and birds, their temporal partitioning is likely to help facilitate their coexistence. For carnivore species in northern Laos that are most similar in body size and diet, temporal partitioning is likely to be an important mechanism of coexistence. Otherwise, temporal patterns appear to be synchronized with their main prey.

scholarly journals Estimating population densities and biomass of ungulates in the temperate ecosystem of Bhutan

Oryx ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 376-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonam Wangyel Wang
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Crop Damage ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Livestock Density ◽  
Large Predators ◽  
Cervus Unicolor ◽  
Wild Pig

AbstractIn this study I estimate population densities and biomass of the major prey species of tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus and dhole Cuon alpinus in Bhutan’s temperate ecosystem and recommend measures for reducing crop damage whilst simultaneously protecting ungulate populations. Thirty-two transects totalling 849 km were walked to estimate densities and biomass of ungulates and primates in Bhutan’s Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park during 2005–2006. Adequate detections (> 40 sightings) for analysis using Distance were obtained for wild pig Sus scrofa (n = 54), muntjac Munticus muntjac (n = 102) and sambar Cervus unicolor (n = 48). Because of similarity in morphology and habitat use, density of serow Capricornis sumatraensis was estimated using the detection probability for sambar. Detections for langur Trachypithecus geei and macaque Macca mulatta were combined (n = 39) to estimate primate density. Mean estimated densities were 3.68 wild pig, 2.17 muntjac, 1.19 sambar, 2.37 primates and 0.36 serow km-2. The three primary prey species of large predators, wild pig, sambar and muntjac, provided a biomass of 379 kg km-2, which could support up to 1.2 tigers per 100 km2. However, the presence of other sympatric carnivores competing for prey in the same area suggests that the actual number of tigers that could be supported is lower. Livestock (density, 6.0 km-2; biomass, 615 kg km-2) apparently supplement prey availability. Ungulate density in the study area is generally low compared to other areas in the Indian sub-continent, and this may be due to conflicts with farmers, excessive grazing of livestock in the forest and the rugged terrain.

scholarly journals Range contractions of the world's large carnivores

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
pp. 170052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Wolf ◽  
William J. Ripple
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Modelling ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Land Area ◽  
Canis Rufus ◽  
Large Carnivore ◽  
Red Wolf ◽  
Historical Times ◽  
Ecological Importance ◽  
Contraction Maps

The majority of the world's terrestrial large carnivores have undergone substantial range contractions and many of these species are currently threatened with extinction. However, there has been little effort to fully quantify the extent of large carnivore range contractions, which hinders our ability to understand the roles and relative drivers of such trends. Here we present and analyse a newly constructed and comprehensive set of large carnivore range contraction maps. We reveal the extent to which ranges have contracted since historical times and identify regions and biomes where range contractions have been particularly large. In summary, large carnivores that have experienced the greatest range contractions include the red wolf ( Canis rufus ) (greater than 99%), Ethiopian wolf ( Canis simensis ) (99%), tiger ( Panthera tigris ) (95%) and lion ( Panthera leo ) (94%). In general, the greatest range contractions occurred in Southeastern Asia and Africa. Motivated by the ecological importance of intact large carnivore guilds, we also examined the spatial extent of intact large carnivore guilds both for the entire world and regionally. We found that intact carnivore guilds occupy just 34% of the world's land area. This compares to 96% in historic times. Spatial modelling of range contractions showed that contractions were significantly more likely in regions with high rural human population density, cattle density or cropland. Our results offer new insights into how best to prevent further range contractions for the world's largest carnivores, which will assist efforts to conserve these species and their important ecological effects.

scholarly journals Ecological preferences of large carnivores in remote, high-altitude protected areas: insights from Buxa Tiger Reserve, India

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar ◽  
Harika Segu ◽  
J. V. Bhaskar ◽  
Rajendra Jakher ◽  
Swati Mohapatra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Faecal Sample ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Tiger Reserve ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Geographical Regions

AbstractDifficult terrain and inclement weather limit our knowledge of large predators, such as the tiger Panthera tigris, in the Himalayas. A lack of empirical data on large carnivores can lead to mismanagement of protected areas and population declines. We used non-invasive genetic and remote sensing data to inform the management of such high-altitude protected areas. We used the tiger as a focal species to investigate prey preference and habitat suitability in India's Buxa Tiger Reserve, which encompasses several eco-geographical regions in the Himalayan and subtropical zones. During 2010–2013, 909 faecal samples were collected, of which 372 were confirmed, using genetic analysis, to be of tiger origin. Fourteen prey species/groups were identified in 240 tiger faecal samples, largely dominated by goats Capra spp. (26.59%), rhesus macaques Macaca mulatta (22.22%) and cattle Bos spp. (20.63%). Considering only the wild prey species for which survey data are available, however, and frequency of occurrence of prey in faecal samples, hog deer Axis porcinus, sambar deer Rusa unicolor and spotted deer Axis axis were the most preferred prey species. Using faecal sample locations to examine the relationship between tiger presence and environmental features indicated that the niche for tigers is narrower than the available protected area: c. 62% of core protected area is suitable, of which only 17% is highly suitable for tigers. Tigers prefer dense vegetation, open forests, riverine vegetation and areas close to water sources. Faecal sample-based studies have the potential to generate data that can help us understand the ecology of elusive carnivore species inhabiting high-altitude landscapes.

scholarly journals First structured camera-trap surveys in Karen State, Myanmar, reveal high diversity of globally threatened mammals

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saw Sha Bwe Moo ◽  
Graden Z.L. Froese ◽  
Thomas N.E. Gray
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Development ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Karen People ◽  
Mammal Community ◽  
The Hill ◽  
Urgent Action

AbstractThe hill forests of Karen State, Myanmar, were previously inaccessible to biologists and conservationists for security and political reasons. We have, however, now been able to conduct six surveys across the area, using camera traps, for a total of 9,511 trap-nights, to ascertain the presence of threatened mammal species. We obtained 4,191 records of at least 31 mammal species, including 17 categorized as Near Threatened, Vulnerable or Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Carnivores were especially diverse, with 19 species recorded, indicating a globally significant community, including the tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus and dhole Cuon alpinus. Our methodology was not appropriate for estimating relative abundance or occupancy but the species richness of the mammal community, the number of records and the number of locations where species were detected suggest the area is important for the conservation of a globally threatened mammal community that is in decline across the majority of its range. Despite long-standing conservation efforts undertaken by the Karen people, their forests are threatened by hunting and habitat loss. These threats are likely to be exacerbated as political change brings rapid development. Urgent action is thus needed to assist the Karen people to protect one of South-east Asia's last intact rich and diverse ecosystems.

scholarly journals Mammals of the high altitudes of western Arunachal Pradesh, eastern Himalaya: an assessment of threats and conservation needs

Oryx ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charudutt Mishra ◽  
M.D. Madhusudan ◽  
Aparajita Datta
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Eastern Himalaya ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Arunachal Pradesh ◽  
High Altitudes ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Arunachal Macaque

The high altitudes of Arunachal Pradesh, India, located in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, remain zoologically unexplored and unprotected. We report results of recent mammal surveys in the high altitude habitats of western Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 35 mammal species (including 12 carnivores, 10 ungulates and 5 primates) were recorded, of which 13 are categorized as Endangered or Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. One species of primate, the Arunachal macaque Macaca munzala, is new to science and the Chinese goral Nemorhaedus caudatus is a new addition to the ungulate fauna of the Indian subcontinent. We documented peoples' dependence on natural resources for grazing and extraction of timber and medicinal plants. The region's mammals are threatened by widespread hunting. The snow leopard Uncia uncia and dhole Cuon alpinus are also persecuted in retaliation for livestock depredation. The tiger Panthera tigris, earlier reported from the lower valleys, is now apparently extinct there, and range reductions over the last two decades are reported for bharal Pseudois nayaur and musk deer Moschus sp.. Based on mammal species richness, extent of high altitude habitat, and levels of anthropogenic disturbance, we identified a potential site for the creation of Arunachal's first high altitude wildlife reserve (815 km2). Community-based efforts that provide incentives for conservation-friendly practices could work in this area, and conservation awareness programmes are required, not just amongst the local communities and schools but for politicians, bureaucrats and the army.

scholarly journals First record of the Dhole Cuon alpinus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) in Barandabhar Corridor Forest, Chitwan, Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 11243
Author(s):  
Saneer Lamichhane ◽  
Aashish Gurung ◽  
Chiranjibi Prasad Pokheral ◽  
Trishna Rayamajhi ◽  
Pabitra Gotame ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
First Record ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Scientific Communities ◽  
Canis Aureus ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Panthera Tigris Tigris ◽  
Wild Dog

Systematic Camera trapping on the Barandabhar Corridor Forest recorded the presence of the endangered Wild Dog/Dhole in the area. A total of 1320 camera trap night efforts were conducted in the area in two blocks from 15th Dec 2015 to 20th Jan 2016. A single picture of dhole was captured and was sympatric with other large carnivores like tiger Panthera tigris tigris, leopard P. pardus, and golden jackal Canis aureus. This first record of Dhole outside the National Park opened a new gate for officials, wildlife conservationist, scientific communities, managers to think about its conservation. It also adds the proof of the healthy functionality of this corridor. 

scholarly journals Large carnivore attacks on humans in central India: a case study from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Oryx ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harshawardhan S. Dhanwatey ◽  
Joanne C. Crawford ◽  
Leandro A. S. Abade ◽  
Poonam H. Dhanwatey ◽  
Clayton K. Nielsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central India ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Panthera Pardus ◽  
Large Carnivore ◽  
Tiger Reserve ◽  
North Eastern

AbstractWe examined human and ecological attributes of attacks by tigers Panthera tigris and leopards Panthera pardus on humans in and around the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in the Chandrapur District of central India to provide recommendations to prevent or mitigate conflicts between people and large carnivores. During 2005–2011 132 carnivore attacks on humans occurred, 71 (54%) of which were lethal to humans. Tigers and leopards were responsible for 78% and 22% of attacks, respectively. Significantly more victims were attacked while collecting minor forest products than during other activities. Probability of attack significantly decreased with increasing distance from forests and villages, and attacks occurred most frequently in the forested north-eastern corridor of the study area. Human activities near the Reserve need to be regulated and limited as much as possible to reduce human mortality and other conflicts. Increasing access to alternative fuel sources (e.g. biogas, solar) may reduce the pressure of timber harvesting on protected areas. Residents should be trained in identifying carnivore sign and in ways to reduce their vulnerability when working outdoors.

scholarly journals Camera-trap surveys reveal high diversity of mammals and pheasants in Medog, Tibet

Oryx ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueyou Li ◽  
William V. Bleisch ◽  
Xinwu Liu ◽  
Xuelong Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Eastern Himalaya ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Photographic Evidence ◽  
Panthera Tigris Tigris

Abstract Medog County lies within the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, but biodiversity in the region remains largely unexplored as there was no permanent road access until 2014. Here we present data from camera-trap surveys in five areas of Medog County, to ascertain the occurrence and occupancy of threatened wildlife species. With a total survey effort of 4,570 trap days we detected 23 medium and large terrestrial mammal species and six pheasant species, 13 of which are categorized as Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List and 19 of which are categorized as regionally threatened on the China Species Red List. Carnivora was the most diverse order, with 15 species recorded. Our study produced the first camera-trap photographic evidence of the Bengal tiger Panthera tigris tigris in China. In addition, we detected the dhole Cuon alpinus, golden cat Catopuma temminckii, marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata and mainland clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa, highlighting the conservation value of the region. The occupancy of muntjac Muntiacus spp. was high (52.7%), indicating prey for large carnivores was abundant. People, livestock and domestic dogs were also recorded frequently, suggesting the fauna are potentially threatened by human disturbance. In the light of recent development in the region, conservation efforts are urgently required, to prevent prey depletion and habitat degradation in this priority region for conservation.

Inter-specific competition influences apex predator–prey populations

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 628
Author(s):  
Chidanand S. Reddy ◽  
Reuven Yosef ◽  
Gianpiero Calvi ◽  
Lorenzo Fornasari
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Species Interactions ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Predation Pressure ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Prey System ◽  
Tiger Reserve ◽  
Prey Populations

Abstract ContextTiger (Panthera tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus) and dhole (Cuon alpinus) represent a typical multi-predator system of species of conservation concern. Several studies have addressed this system, with heterogeneous results, and there’s a lack of information on population dynamics of multi-species assemblages. We studied a time series (1998–2009) of abundance indices for three predators and five prey species in Bor Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS), Maharashtra, India, before it was declared as Bor Tiger Reserve (BTR) in 2009. AimsTo analyse the complex relationships within a predator–prey system in a dynamic fashion, to analyse data collected in a stable and undisturbed area and to form a comparison basis for future studies within the sanctuary after its declaration as a Tiger Reserve. MethodsA 24-h effort was made annually to census the BWS. Predators were counted at waterholes from arboreal hideouts. The prey populations were censused along 353-km line-transects. For each species, we analysed the yearly growth rate, testing the effect of inter-species abundance. Key resultsTiger growth rate did not depend on any particular prey, whereas mesopredators seemed to depend on medium-sized prey. A die-out of dholes in 2001 was followed by an increase in tiger populations (from 4 to 11), which, in turn, negatively affected leopard numbers (from 6 to 2).We found no direct evidence of top-down effect, but the density dependence for three of five prey species could be linked to predation pressure. We found some evidence of interspecific competition among prey species, especially among ungulates, potentially being mediated by predation pressure. ConclusionsThe relationships among species in a predator–prey system are very complex and often could be explained only by more-than-two-species interactions. The disappearance of one predator, not necessarily the top predator, could bring multiple effects, for which it could be difficult to detect causal relationships. ImplicationsAll subsequent changes in human activities in the sanctuary, as a consequence of its designation as the BTR in 2009, should be evaluated with respect to the results of the present study. The conservation of large predators should rely on the maintenance of a rich and abundant prey base, in which different-sized prey could lessen interactive-competition among the predators.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document