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An, L.; Bohnett, E.; Battle, C.; Dai, J.; Lewison, R.; Jankowski, P.; Carter, N.; Ghimire, D.; Dhakal, M.; Karki, J.; Zvoleff, A.
Sex-specific habitat suitability modeling for _Panthera tigris_ in Chitwan National Park, Nepal: Broader conservation implications
2021  Sustainability (13): 1-15

Although research on wildlife species across taxa has shown that males and females may differentially select habitat, sex-specific habitat suitability models for endangered species are uncommon. We developed sex-specific models for Bengal tigers (_Panthera tigris_) based on camera trapping data collected from 20 January to 22 March 2010 within Chitwan National Park, Nepal, and its buffer zone. We compared these to a sex-indiscriminate habitat suitability model to assess the benefits of a sex-specific approach to habitat suitability modeling. Our sex-specific models produced more informative and detailed habitat suitability maps and highlighted vital differences in the spatial distribution of suitable habitats for males and females, specific associations with different vegetation types, and habitat use near human settlements. Improving and refining habitat models for this and other critically endangered species provides the necessary information to meet established conservation goals and population recovery targets.

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