Research Article: Andheria, A. P., Karanth, K. U., & Kumar, N. S. (2007). Diet and prey profiles of three sympatric large carnivores in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, India. Journal of Zoology, 273(2), 169-175.

Blog Author: Sikha Hariharan

Key highlights:

  • The research study provides insights into the dietary preferences and prey profiles of three sympatric large carnivores (tigers, leopards, and dholes) in Bandipur Tiger Reserve in India.
  • The analysis of faecal samples (more commonly known as ‘scats’ for carnivores) is a common non-invasive method used to study the diets of carnivores in the wild and provides detailed information on the prey species consumed by each carnivore.
  • A total of 381, 111, and 181 faecal (scat) samples for tiger, leopard, and dholes respectively were obtained from the study area covering >500km2 .
  • Tigers were found to primarily feed on large ungulates such as gaur, and sambar deer; while leopards and dholes preferred medium-sized prey species such as chital and wild pig.
  • The findings reveal that the three carnivores have overlapping prey choices, but had different dietary preferences; with the highest overlap  seen between leopards and dholes.
  • Authors emphasize that an adequate ungulate prey base and availability of different size classes of prey are prominent factors that facilitate the coexistence of diverse carnivore species within ecosystems.
  • The paper provides valuable insights into the prey-predator relationships in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, which can inform conservation strategies and policies aimed at protecting these species and their habitats.

 

The intricate relationships between predators and their prey have long fascinated scientists. The dietary profiles of large carnivores play a major role in shaping prey communities and consequently, the entire ecosystem. Diverse adaptations and ecological traits of carnivores, such as a tiger being an iconic apex predator, a leopard’s stealthy mode of operation and the dholes’ highly social and cooperative nature as predators, contribute to the complex network of trophic interactions. Insights into the diet requirements can contribute to our understanding of predator-prey relationships and the ecological dynamics of large carnivores, especially in important conservation areas. Monitoring changes in diet profiles over time can provide early indications of ecological disturbances or shifts in predator populations.

The research paper titled “Diet and prey profiles of three sympatric large carnivores in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, India” delves into the dietary habits of three coexisting carnivores, shedding light on their ecological roles and potential resource competitions. The study focuses on the diets of the three large carnivores – tigers Panthera tigris, leopards Panthera pardus, and dholes Cuon alpinus – inhabiting the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in India. They looked at the species’ feeding ecology by analyzing their faecal samples (more commonly known as ‘scats’ for carnivores) to investigate their dietary preferences, and prey profiles, including the relative abundance and frequency of occurrence of principal prey in the scat samples. The analysis of faecal samples (‘scats’ in this case)is a common non-invasive method used to study the diets of carnivores in the wild and provides detailed information on the prey species consumed by each carnivore.

Eminent scientists namely, Drs. Anish Andheria, Ullas Karanth, and N. Samba Kumar led the collaborative study between the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Centre for Wildlife Studies, and Wildlife Conservation Society. They collected selected predator scat samples from forest roads using extensive and intensive sampling schemes between March and April 2006. Recording individual characteristics on the field (such as differences in quantity, diameter of scats, presence of pugmarks nearby), and subsequent DNA analysis confirms the species the sampled scats belong to. A total of 381, 111, and 181 scat samples for tiger, leopard, and dholes respectively were obtained from >500km2 of the study area. The species of prey consumed were identified based on the morphology of prey remains (such as hair, bones, and feathers) using microscopic examination. This was further supported by statistical analysis of the frequency of occurrence, relative biomass, and relative number of prey consumed.

The findings of the study revealed significant differences in the diets of the three carnivores. Tigers primarily consumed large ungulates, such as sambar Cervus unicolor and gaur Bos gaurus, indicating their preference for larger prey; while leopards and dholes exhibited a more varied diet, with majorly medium-sized prey such as chital Axis axis and wild pig Sus scrofa, respectively. The research also provided insights into potential competition among the carnivores for similar prey resources. The authors point out that the degree of overlap varies depending on factors such as prey availability, hunting techniques, diel activity patterns, and spatial distribution. The analysis indicated significant overlap in prey selection, mainly between tigers and leopards, tiger and dholes, and leopard and dholes. A particularly higher overlap was found in the latter mainly due to a preference for medium-sized prey.

Chital, gaur, sambar, and wild pig combined, constituted a high proportion of the predator diets – emphasizing the need for large and medium-sized prey bases to sustain high densities and viable populations of tigers and co-predators. Chital dominated the prey profiles in terms of the relative number of individuals preyed upon, in the diets of dhole, leopard, and tiger (in decreasing order of importance). In the present study, domestic livestock in predator diets was negligible. The study findings emphasize the use of a combination of three measures of prey intake to better understand prey consumption patterns.

By unraveling the diet requirements and providing author speculations on the reasoning behind the dietary differences, this study offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of predator-prey relationships within the reserve. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive and species-specific conservation approaches, such as identifying the preferred prey of large carnivores, protecting key habitats, and facilitating co-existence for the survival of all three carnivore species. Such an in-depth understanding of the dietary preferences and prey profiles is crucial for effective conservation and ecosystem management.

 

Link to original article, here.

Key words: Carnivores, tiger, Panthera tigris, leopard, Panthera pardus, Dhole, Cuon alpinus, Bandipur, diet selection, prey selection, prey profile,  Western Ghats, India