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Dryad

Tiger occurrence in response to prey and anthropogenic disturbances

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Dec 31, 2024 version files 8.96 KB

Abstract

Understanding factors influencing spatiotemporal patterns of apex predators is pre-requisite for their conservation. We studied spatial and temporal responses of tigers (Panthera tigris) to prey availability and anthropogenic activities with remote cameras in Nepal during December 2022–March 2023. We used hierarchical occupancy models to evaluate biotic factors (detection rates of 6 prey species, number of humans or livestock) contributing to the tiger occupancy, while taking into account landscape effects on their detection probability. We calculated the diel activity overlap of tigers with each prey species, as well as humans and livestock. Overall, tigers had high occupancy (0.898 ± 0.074) and detection probability (0.621 ± 0.044). Tiger occupancy increased with prey availability but was not influenced by humans or livestock. Tiger detection probability increased with increasing distance to water, potentially a consequence of tigers being more cautious where human presence is likely. Tigers exhibited extensive temporal overlap with their prey, but not with humans or livestock. Our study demonstrates the ability of tigers to co-exist with humans through adjusting diel activity and potentially moving cryptically in certain landscapes, provided adequate prey is available. Management actions that ensure adequate prey availability can benefit tiger conservation.