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Ngoprasert, D.; Gale, G.A.
Tiger density, dhole occupancy, and prey occupancy in the human disturbed Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex, Thailand
2019  Mammalian Biology (95): 51-58

Large carnivores have been declining due to a combination of factors including habitat loss and fragmentation, prey loss, and direct persecution. Tiger _Panthera tigris_ and dhole _Cuon alpinus_ are endangered and emblematic of problems facing large carnivores globally. We estimated tiger density, dhole occupancy and prey availability within the Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex, a World Heritage Area in Thailand that has potential as a 'recovery site' for both species. Camera traps were set near bait stations designed for bear monitoring. A Bayesian spatial capture-recapture approach was used to estimate tiger density and occupancy of dhole and their prey. Camera traps were deployed in two areas, Khao Yai (78 locations, December 2009-May 2011) and Dong Phayayen (45 locations, December 2012-August 2014). Tiger was not detected in Khao Yai. We detected 9 tigers (2 male, 4 females, and 3 unknown sex) in Dong Phayayen. Tiger density was 2.1 (95% CI 0.5-5.3) individuals per 100 km ý based on an individual heterogeneity model. Dhole occupancy was higher in Khao Yai (64%) than Dong Phayayen (55%). Prey occupancy was 9-53% higher in Dong Phayayen. Wild pig _Sus scrofa_ had the highest occupancy rates, followed by gaur _Bos gaurus_, sambar _Rusa unicolor_ and muntjac _Muntiacus muntjac_, respectively. Although Dong Phayayen's tiger density was lower compared to populations estimated in some better-known protected areas, our data suggest it has potential as a regional tiger (and perhaps dhole) recovery site. However, Dong Phayayen, like many sites in the region, faces significant threats from wildlife hunting and rosewood (_Dalbergia_ spp.) poaching that need to be addressed urgently if this small population is going to survive even the near term.

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