Comparison of small carnivores detection rates between two different leopard density regimes in Kuno National Park

Abstract

The study assessed the detection patterns of small carnivores in Kuno National Park using a camera-trap survey conducted across two sampling areas, blocks representing contrasting leopard density regimes. Camera traps were deployed using a systematic 0.5 km² grid design with approximately 700 m spacing between stations to maximize detections of small carnivores while maintaining standardised sampling. A total of ten small carnivore species were targeted, and Relative Abundance Indices (RAI) were calculated to compare detection rates among species and sampling blocks. Another study design with trail cameras on the same blocks was used to investigate the small carnivore community in two blocks representing high and medium density areas to understand community composition between the two study areas, although some species differed in their relative abundance. Small Indian civet, leopard, and golden jackal were detected more frequently in the high-density block, while jungle cat was relatively more common in the medium-density block. Spatial and temporal analyses indicated that most small carnivore species shared the same habits and were active during similar periods of the day. However, some species delayed their visits after another carnivore had recently used the same location, suggesting that coexistence is maintained mainly through short-term temporal avoidance rather than by occupying different habitats. This study also evaluated the effect of camera-trap sampling scale (grid size) on Relative abundance Index (RAI) showed that common species which were detected consistently through out the camera trap with adequate sample size produced estimates with lower coefficient of variation comparative to rarely detected species which became increasingly variable as sampling scale increased. These findings highlight the importance of using finer camera-trap grids when monitoring smaller species with less movement or home ranges.