IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Naidu, A.; Bhagavatula, J.; Siddiqui, I. | |
| Presence-Absence and Occupancy Study of the Bengal Tiger (_Panthera tigris tigris_) and the Indian Leopard (_Panthera pardus fusca_) using Faecal DNA Analysis | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
The tiger (_Panthera tigris tigris_) is a flagship species for conservation in India. In habitats outside well protected tiger reserves, tigers are found in low densities and such areas cover up to nearly 90% of the tiger habitat in India (Karanth and Nichols, 2002). It is important to assess whether tigers are present in such areas rather than estimate their absolute abundance. The objective of our study is, therefore, to ascertain the presence of tigers and leopards (_Panthera pardus fusca_), by non-invasive faecal DNA analysis, pug-marks and scrapes. The Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is a dry deciduous forest with a low density of tigers and is subject to heavy human interference. An unencroached forest area of around 220 km2 of this sanctuary has been selected for our study. GPS locations of faeces collected, pug-marks, scrapes and other signs of tiger and leopard activity were taken while traversing on animal trails. DNA was isolated from the faecal samples and screened using species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers developed for the reliable identification of leopard and tiger faeces. This can confirm the presence of tigers and leopards as well as map their distribution for use in geo-referencing while implementing conservation plans. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |