Ecology of sympatric small carnivores in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the abundance and occupancy of small carnivores with the application of photographic captures using camera traps and diet composition of small carnivores through faecal analysis, investigate seasonal species-habitat relationships from microhabitat (non-spatial) and remotely sensed features (spatial) to understand how these variables govern their occurrence pattern and predict the distribution of small carnivores in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats. The study was conducted from 2009-2011 in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (11°32' 11°43'N; 76°22'-76°45'E), Western Ghats. This study will critically improve our state of knowledge to protect lesser carnivores and aid the development of theory on their social structure, behavior and habitat preferences.Study species include jungle cat (Felis chaus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), rusty spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), common palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), brown palm civet (Paradoxurus jerdoni), grey mongoose (Herpestes erdwardsii), ruddy mongoose (Herpestes smithii) and stripe-necked mongoose (Herpestes vitticollis). The objectives of this study area as follows:- 1. To determine the abundance and occupancy of small carnivores in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. 2. To study the dietary pattern of small carnivores. 3. To determine spatial and non-spatial variables governing the occupancy of small carnivores and 4. To predict the distribution pattern of small carnivores through habitat suitability modeling in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.