Assessment of predator, prey and habitats in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, 2024

Abstract

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) is located in the semi-arid western Indian landscape (24°33'54”N, 73°54'22"E] and spans the Pali, Rajsamand, and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan. Camera traps support various methodologies, including capture-mark-recapture for population estimation, occupancy surveys for determining species distribution, and distance sampling to assess animal density and abundance. Camera traps have been widely used as a wildlife monitoring tool due to their objectivity, ease of use, and ability to generate data on a wide range of species. Camera trapping was conducted in Kumbhalgarh from January to March 2024, covering an area of approximately 200 km2, which included all five ranges—Kumbhalgarh, Sadri, Desuri, Jhilwada, and Bokhada. The area was divided into 2 km2 grids, and in each grid, a pair of camera traps was placed. The cameras were set up along trails and near forest roads to maximize the probability of capturing the target species. These locations were selected based on a reconnaissance survey conducted in search of large carnivore signs along gipsy tracks, animal trails, and dry stream beds.