scholarly journals Tigers and Their Prey in Bukit Rimbang Bukit Baling: Abundance Baseline for Effective Wildlife Reserve Management

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Febri Anggriawan Widodo ◽  
Stephanus Hanny ◽  
Eko Hery Satriyo Utomo ◽  
Zulfahmi ◽  
Kusdianto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Likelihood ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Main Prey ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Tiger Conservation ◽  
Wildlife Reserve

Managing the critically endangered Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) needs accurate information on its abundance and availability of prey at the landscape level. Bukit Rimbang Bukit Baling Wildlife Reserve in central Sumatra represents an important area for tigers at local, regional and global levels. The area has been recognized as a long-term priority Tiger Conservation Landscape. Solid baseline information on tigers and prey is fundamentally needed for the management. The objective of this study was to produce robust estimate of tiger density and prey a vailability in the reserve. We used camera traps to systematically collecting photographic samples of tigers and prey using Spatial Capture Recapture (SCR) framework. We estimated density for tigers and calculated trap success rate (TSR; independent pictures/100 trap nights) for main prey species. Three blocks in the reserve were sampled from 2012 to 2015 accumulating a total of 8,125 effective trap nights. We captured 14 tiger individuals including three cubs. We documented the highest density of tigers (individuals/100 km2) in southern sampling block (based on traditional capture recapture (TCR) : 1.52 ± SE 0.55; based on Maximum Likelihood (ML) SCR:0.51 ± SE 0.22) and the lowest in northeastern sampling block (TCR: 0.77 ±SE 0.39; ML SCR: 0.19 ± SE 0.16). The highest TSR of main prey (large ungulates and primates) was in northeastern block (35.01 ± SD 8.67) and the lowest was in southern block (12.42 ± SD 2.91). The highest level of disturbance, as indicated by TSR of people, was in northeastern sampling block (5.45 ± SD 5.64) and the lowest in southern (1.26 ± SD 2.41). The results suggested that human disturbance strongly determine the density of tigers in the area, more than prey availability. To recover tigers, suggested strategies include controlling human disturbance and poaching to the lowest possible level in addition to maintaining main prey availability.Keywords: Capture-Mark-Recapture; closed population; habitat management; population viability; tiger recovery Harimau dan Mangsanya di Bukit Rimbang Bukit Baling: Basis Informasi Kelimpahan untuk Pengelolaan Suaka Margasatwa yang EfektifIntisariMengelola spesies kunci seperti harimau Sumatera (Panthera tigris sumatrae) yang dalam kondisi kritis, memerlukan informasi terkait populasi satwa tersebut dan ketersediaan satwa mangsanya pada tingkat lanskap. Suaka Margasatwa Bukit Rimbang Bukit Baling di Sumatera bagian tengah merupakan sebuah kawasan penting untuk harimau baik pada tingkat lokal, regional, maupun global. Kawasan ini telah diakui sebagai sebuah kawasan prioritas jangka panjang Tiger Conservation Landascapes (TCL). Informasi dasar yang sahih mengenai populasi harimau dan mangsanya sangat dibutuhkan untuk pengelolaan efektif satwa tersebut dan kawasan habitatnya. Tujuan dari studi ini adalah untuk menghasilkan perkiraan kepadatan populasi harimau dan ketersediaan mangsanya di kawasan suaka margasatwa tersebut. Kami menggunakan perangkap kamera untuk mengumpulkan sampel gambar harimau dan mangsanya secara sistematis menggunakan kerangka kerja Spatial Capture Recapture (SCR). Kami memperkirakan kepadatan harimau dan menghitung angka keberhasilan perangkap atau trap success rate (TSR: gambar independen/100 hari aktif kamera) untuk satwa mangsa utama. Tiga blok di dalam suaka margasatwa telah disurvei dari tahun 2012 hingga 2015 mengakumulasikan keseluruhan 8,125 hari kamera aktif. Kami merekam 14 individu harimau termasuk tiga anak. Kami mendokumentasikan kepadatan tertinggi harimau (individu/100 km2) di blok sampling selatan (berdasarkan pendekatan analisa capture recapture tradisional (TCR) 1.52 ± SE 0.55; berdasarkan Maximum Likelihood (ML) SCR 0.51 ± SE 0.22) dan terendah di utara-timur (TCR: 0.77 ±SE 0.39; ML SCR: 0.19 ± SE 0.16). TSR tertinggi dari mangsa utama (ungulate besar dan primata) adalah di blok sampling utara-timur (35.01 ± SD 8.67) dan terendah adalah di blok sampling selatan (12.42 ± SD 2.91). Tingkat gangguan tertinggi, sebagaimana diindikasikan oleh TSR manusia, adalah di blok sampling utara-timur (5.45 ± SD 5.64) dan terendahnya di blok sampling selatan (1.26 ± SD 2.41). Hasil studi ini mengindikasikan bahwa gangguan manusia yang sangat tinggi sangat menentukan kepadatan harimau di kawasan ini, melebihi pengaruh dari ketersediaan satwa mangsa. Untuk memulihkan populasi harimau, disarankan beberapa strategi termasuk mengendalikan gangguan manusia dan perburuan hingga ke tingkat terendah, selain tetap memastikan ketersediaan satwa mangsa utama yang memadai.

scholarly journals Rapid recovery of tigers Panthera tigris in Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Babu Ram Lamichhane ◽  
Chiranjibi Prasad Pokheral ◽  
Shashank Poudel ◽  
Dipendra Adhikari ◽  
Sailendra Raj Giri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Camera Traps ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Population Turnover ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Chitwan National Park ◽  
Ecological Unit ◽  
Wildlife Reserve

AbstractInformation on density and abundance of globally threatened species such as tigers Panthera tigris is essential for effective conservation as well as to evaluate the success of conservation programmes. We monitored tigers in Parsa Widlife Reserve, Nepal, using camera traps, in 2013, 2014 and 2016. Once believed to be a sink for tigers from adjacent Chitwan National Park, Parsa now provides a new hope for tigers. Spatially explicit capture–recapture analysis over 3 survey years revealed an increase in tiger density from 0.78 to 1.38 individuals per 100 km2 from 2013 to 2016. The tiger abundance was estimated to be seven (6–13), 11 (10–16) and 17 (17–20) in 2013, 2014 and 2016, respectively. Resettlement of communities from the core area, reduced anthropogenic pressure, and improved security have made Parsa Wildlife Reserve a suitable habitat for tigers. Tiger abundance increased considerably within a 5 km radius of the evacuated village sites, from two in 2013 to eight in 2014 and 10 in 2016. Population turnover has remained moderate (< 30% per year), with persistence of individuals in multiple years. Dispersing tigers from Chitwan's source population accounted for a large portion (c. 40%) of the tigers detected in Parsa. Conservation efforts along with annual monitoring should be continued in Parsa to sustain the increase and monitor the persistence of tigers. The Chitwan–Parsa complex should be managed as a single ecological unit for conserving the Endangered tiger and other wide-ranging species.

scholarly journals Impact of natural salt lick on the home range of Panthera tigris at the Royal Belum Rainforest, Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan Andrew Lazarus ◽  
Azlan Che-Amat ◽  
Muhammad Muzammil Abdul Halim Shah ◽  
Azwan Hamdan ◽  
Hasliza Abu Hassim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Nutritional Ecology ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Salt Lick ◽  
Save Energy ◽  
Salt Licks

AbstractNatural salt lick (sira) is a strategic localisation for ecological wildlife assemblage to exhibit geophagy which may act as a population dynamic buffer of prey and predators. Undoubtedly, many agree that geophagy at natural licks is linked to nutritional ecology, health and assembly places facilitating social interaction of its users. Overall, natural salt licks not only save energy of obtaining nutrient leading to health maintenance but also forms the basis of population persistence. The Royal Belum Rainforest, Malaysia (Royal Belum) is a typical tropical rainforest in Malaysia rich in wildlife which are mainly concentrated around the natural salt lick. Since this is one of the most stable fauna ecology forest in Malaysia, it is timely to assess its impact on the Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris) home range dynamics. The three-potential home ranges of the Malayan tiger in this rainforest were selected based on animal trails or foot prints surrounding the salt lick viz (e.g. Sira Kuak and Sira Batu; Sira Rambai and Sira Buluh and Sira Papan) as well as previous sightings of a Malayan tiger in the area, whose movement is dependent on the density and distribution of prey. Camera traps were placed at potential animal trails surrounding the salt lick to capture any encountered wildlife species within the area of the camera placements. Results showed that all home ranges of Malayan tiger were of no significance for large bodied prey availability such as sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), and smaller prey such as muntjacs (Muntiacus muntjac) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Interestingly, all home range harbour the Malayan tiger as the only sole predator. The non-significance of prey availability at each home range is attributed to the decline of the Malayan tiger in the rainforest since tigers are dependant on the movement of its preferred prey surrounding natural salt licks. Thus, the information from this study offers fundamental knowledge on the importance of prey-predator interaction at salt lick which will help in designing strategy in rewilding or rehabilitation programs of the Malayan tiger at the Royal Belum Rainforest.

scholarly journals A Spatially Explicit Capture–Recapture Model for Partially Identified Individuals When Trap Detection Rate Is Less than One

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soumen Dey ◽  
Mohan Delampady ◽  
K. Ullas Karanth ◽  
Arjun M. Gopalaswamy
Keyword(s):  
Detection Probability ◽  
Credible Interval ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Partial Identity ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Estimation Problems ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Future Work

Spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) models have gained enormous popularity to solve abundance estimation problems in ecology. In this study, we develop a novel Bayesian SECR model that disentangles two processes: one is the process of animal arrival within a detection region, and the other is the process of recording this arrival by a given set of detectors. We integrate this complexity into an advanced version of a recent SECR model involving partially identified individuals (Royle JA. Spatial capture-recapture with partial identity. arXiv preprint arXiv:1503.06873, 2015). We assess the performance of our model over a range of realistic simulation scenarios and demonstrate that estimates of population size N improve when we utilize the proposed model relative to the model that does not explicitly estimate trap detection probability (Royle JA. Spatial capture-recapture with partial identity. arXiv preprint arXiv:1503.06873, 2015). We confront and investigate the proposed model with a spatial capture–recapture dataset from a camera trapping survey of tigers (Panthera tigris) in Nagarahole study area of southern India. Detection probability is estimated at 0.489 (with 95% credible interval (CI) [0.430, 0.543]) which implies that the camera traps are performing imperfectly and thus justifying the use of our model in real world applications. We discuss possible extensions, future work and relevance of our model to other statistical applications beyond ecology. AMS classification codes: 62F15, 92D40

scholarly journals How many tigers Panthera tigris are there in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand? An estimate using photographic capture-recapture sampling

Oryx ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 447-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saksit Simcharoen ◽  
Anak Pattanavibool ◽  
K. Ullas Karanth ◽  
James D. Nichols ◽  
N. Samba Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Forests ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Abundance Estimate ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Tiger Conservation ◽  
Tiger Population ◽  
Indian Reserves ◽  
Closure Assumption

AbstractWe used capture-recapture analyses to estimate the density of a tiger Panthera tigris population in the tropical forests of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand, from photographic capture histories of 15 distinct individuals. The closure test results (z = 0.39, P = 0.65) provided some evidence in support of the demographic closure assumption. Fit of eight plausible closed models to the data indicated more support for model Mh, which incorporates individual heterogeneity in capture probabilities. This model generated an average capture probability $\hat p$ = 0.42 and an abundance estimate of $\widehat{N}(\widehat{SE}[\widehat{N}])$ = 19 (9.65) tigers. The sampled area of $\widehat{A}(W)(\widehat{SE}[\widehat{A}(W)])$ = 477.2 (58.24) km2 yielded a density estimate of $\widehat{D}(\widehat{SE}[\widehat{D}])$ = 3.98 (0.51) tigers per 100 km2. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary could therefore hold 113 tigers and the entire Western Forest Complex c. 720 tigers. Although based on field protocols that constrained us to use sub-optimal analyses, this estimated tiger density is comparable to tiger densities in Indian reserves that support moderate prey abundances. However, tiger densities in well-protected Indian reserves with high prey abundances are three times higher. If given adequate protection we believe that the Western Forest Complex of Thailand could potentially harbour >2,000 wild tigers, highlighting its importance for global tiger conservation. The monitoring approaches we recommend here would be useful for managing this tiger population.

scholarly journals Density estimation of tiger and leopard using spatially explicit capture–recapture framework

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10634
Author(s):  
Tahir Ali Rather ◽  
Sharad Kumar ◽  
Jamal Ahmad Khan
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Natural Vegetation ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Road Density ◽  
Buffer Zones ◽  
Capture Recapture

The conservation of large carnivores often requires precise and accurate estimates of their populations. Being cryptic and occurring at low population densities, obtaining an unbiased population estimate is difficult in large carnivores. To overcome the uncertainties in the conventional capture–recapture (CR) methods used to estimate large carnivore densities, more robust methods such as spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) framework are now widely used. We modeled the CR data of tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) in the SECR framework with biotic and abiotic covariates likely believed to influence their densities. An effort of 2,211 trap nights resulted in the capture of 33 and 38 individual tigers and leopards. A total of 95 and 74 detections of tigers and leopards were achieved using 35 pairs of camera traps. Tiger and leopard density were estimated at 4.71 ± 1.20 (3.05–5.11) and 3.03 ± 0.78 (1.85–4.99) per 100 km2. Our results show that leopard density increased with high road density, high terrain ruggedness and habitats with high percentage of cropland and natural vegetation. The tiger density was positively influenced by the mosaic of cropland and natural vegetation. This study provides the first robust density estimates of tiger and leopard within the study area. Our results support the notion that large carnivores can attain moderate densities within human-dominated regions around protected areas relying on domestic livestock. Broader management strategies aimed at maintaining wild prey in the human-dominated areas around protected areas are necessary for large and endangered carnivores’ sustenance in the buffer zones around protected areas.

scholarly journals A paradox of local abundance amidst regional rarity: the value of montane refugia for Persian leopard conservation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad S. Farhadinia ◽  
Brett T. McClintock ◽  
Paul J. Johnson ◽  
Pouyan Behnoud ◽  
Kaveh Hobeali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Animal Movement ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
The Caucasus ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Persian Leopard ◽  
Identity Model

Abstract The population densities of leopards vary widely across their global range, influenced by prey availability, intraguild competition and human persecution. In Asia, particularly the Middle East and the Caucasus, they generally occur at the lower extreme of densities recorded for the species. Reliable estimates of population density are important for understanding their ecology and planning their conservation. We used a photographic spatial capture-recapture (SCR) methodology incorporating animal movement to estimate density for the endangered Persian leopard Panthera pardus saxicolor in three montane national parks, northeastern Iran. We combined encounter history data arising from images of bilaterally asymmetrical left- and right-sided pelage patterns using a Bayesian spatial partial identity model accommodating multiple “non-invasive” marks. We also investigated the effect of camera trap placement on detection probability. Surprisingly, considering the subspecies’ reported low abundance and density based on previous studies, we found relatively high population densities in the three national parks, varying between 3.10 ± SD 1.84 and 8.86 ± SD 3.60 individuals/100 km2. The number of leopards detected in Tandoureh National Park (30 individuals) was larger than estimated during comparable surveys at any other site in Iran, or indeed globally. Capture and recapture probabilities were higher for camera traps placed near water resources compared with those placed on trails. Our results show the benefits of protecting even relatively small mountainous areas, which accommodated a high density of leopards and provided refugia in a landscape with substantial human activity.

scholarly journals Threatened predator on the equator: multi-point abundance estimates of the tiger Panthera tigris in central Sumatra

Oryx ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunarto ◽  
Marcella J. Kelly ◽  
Sybille Klenzendorf ◽  
Michael R. Vaughan ◽  
Zulfahmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Camera Traps ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Abundance Estimates ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Central Sumatra ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractInformation on spatial and temporal variation in abundance is crucial for effective management of wildlife. Yet abundance estimates for the Critically Endangered Sumatran tiger Panthera tigris sumatrae are lacking from Riau, the province historically believed to hold the largest percentage of this subspecies. Recently, this area has had one of the highest global rates of deforestation. Using camera traps we investigated tiger abundance across peatland, flat lowland, and hilly lowland forest types in the province, and over time, in the newly established Tesso Nilo National Park, central Sumatra. We estimated densities using spatially explicit capture–recapture, calculated with DENSITY, and traditional capture–recapture models, calculated with CAPTURE. With spatially explicit capture–recapture the lowest tiger density (0.34 ± SE 0.24 per 100 km2) was estimated in the hilly lowland forest of Rimbang Baling and the highest (0.87 ± SE 0.33 per 100 km2) in the flat lowland forest of the Park. Repeated surveys in the Park documented densities of 0.63 ± SE 0.28 in 2005 to 0.87 ± SE 0.33 per 100 km2 in 2008. Compared to traditional capture–recapture the spatially explicit capture–recapture approach resulted in estimates 50% lower. Estimates of tiger density from this study were lower than most previous estimates in other parts of Sumatra. High levels of human activity in the area appear to limit tigers. The results of this study, which covered areas and habitat types not previously surveyed, are important for overall population estimates across the island, provide insight into the response of carnivores to habitat loss, and are relevant to the interventions needed to save the tiger.

scholarly journals Leopard Density Estimation within an Enclosed Reserve, Namibia Using Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture Models

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 724
Author(s):  
Noack ◽  
Heyns ◽  
Rodenwoldt ◽  
Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Conservation Areas ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
New Class ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Wildlife Populations ◽  
Effective Conservation

The establishment of enclosed conservation areas are claimed to be the driving force for the long-term survival of wildlife populations. Whilst fencing provides an important tool in conservation, it simultaneously represents a controversial matter as it stops natural migration processes, which could ultimately lead to inbreeding, a decline in genetic diversity and local extinction if not managed correctly. Thus, wildlife residing in enclosed reserves requires effective conservation and management strategies, which are strongly reliant on robust population estimates. Here, we used camera traps combined with the relatively new class of spatially explicit capture-recaptured models (SECR) to produce the first reliable leopard population estimate for an enclosed reserve in Namibia. Leopard density was estimated at 14.51 leopards/100 km2, the highest recorded density in Namibia to date. A combination of high prey abundance, the absence of human persecution and a lack of top-down control are believed to be the main drivers of the recorded high leopard population. Our results add to the growing body of literature which suggests enclosed reserves have the potential to harbour high densities and highlight the importance of such reserves for the survival of threatened species in the future.

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