Insights from distribution dynamics inform strategies to conserve a dhole Cuon alpinus metapopulation in India.

ABSTRACT: Most large carnivore populations currently occur in heterogeneous landscapes, with source populations embedded in a matrix of human-dominated habitats. Understanding changes in distribution of endangered carnivores is critical for prioritizing and implementing conservation strategies. We examined distribution and dynamics of a dhole Cuon alpinus metapopulation, first in 2007 and subsequently in 2015, based on indirect sign surveys across 37, 000sq. km of India's Western Ghats. Predicted dhole occupancy declined from 0.62 (95% CI: 0.58-0.66) in 2007 to 0.54 (95% CI: 0.50-0.58) in 2015. Occupancy was associated with abundance of primary prey species and anthropogenic disturbance. Local extinction appeared to be influenced by forest cover loss, and offset by protected reserves; colonization w

SUBMITTER: Srivathsa A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6395595 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature