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As one of the most endangered species, tiger (Panthera tigris) inbreeding has become an urgent issue to address. Using a microsatellite (short tandem repeat, STR) identification system, paternity testing may be helpful to avoid inbreeding in captive breeding programs. In this study, we developed a genome-based identification system named tiger pedigree identification multiplex system (TPI-plex). By analyzing the entire tiger genome, 139,967 STR loci were identified and 12.76% of these displayed three to six alleles among three re-sequenced individual tiger genomes. A total of 204 candidate STRs were identified and screened with a reference population containing 31 unrelated captive tigers. Of these, 15 loci were chosen for inclusion in the multiplex panel. The mean allele number and mean expected heterozygosity (He) were 7.3333 and 0.7789, respectively. The cumulative probability of exclusion (CPE) and total probability of discrimination power (TDP) reached 0.999999472 and 0.999999999999995, respectively. The results showed that the TPI-plex system can be applied in routine pedigree identification for captive tigers. We also added a sex identification marker named TAMEL into the TPI-plex for sex determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several indigenous tribes around the world derive spiritual value from revering fauna and flora species. Species conservation is not a prime objective of such traditions but can be an unintended consequence. Conventional species conservation practices ignore this spiritual value and tribes are often evicted from protected areas. We use the existence value framework to develop a coupled ecological-economic model of the use and non-use, existence values of wildlife for a tribe that derives spiritual value from a wildlife population. We calibrate the model for the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve in India with the resident Soligas tribe who consider tigers as sacred and back out an existence value of tigers in this reserve from a tribe manager's perspective. The model ascertains tiger population dynamics under several management scenarios. Steady-state convergence is observed under secure property rights for the Soligas. Scenarios in which they are evicted from the BRT reserve and lose their property rights yields localized tiger extinction. Finally, we generate a marginal existence value function and discuss the potential for using existence value estimates in guiding conservation policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sundarban is the only tiger inhabited mangrove forest on the globe which is threatened by severe coastal erosion due to relative sea level rise. Effects of climate change events including increased atmospheric temperature, changes in rainfall patterns, drinking water scarcity, reduced agriculture productivity, declining fish catch, increased salinity and extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones and tidal surge, are likely to have profound adverse impacts on the estuarine biodiversity and livelihoods of inhabitants of the region. Tigers in Sundarbans stray into the neighbouring villages during low tide to prey upon cows and goats. Obviously, all these phenomenon leads to a daily survival battle for the inhabitants. To address these issues, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) practices are essential and is being implemented in Sagar Island and Gosaba Island of Sundarbans through ICZM project, funded by the World Bank. The alternative livelihood programme for coastal fishermen community of the Sundarbans Islands, income generation activities, encouraging salt tolerant paddy cultivation, establishment of rainwater harvesting system, construction of multipurpose cyclone shelters, and strengthening of the nylon fencing in Tiger Reserve Forest etc. are recommended for the sustainable development of the Sundarbans. An area specific approach or regional plan for Sundarbans is essential, as they have specific problems such as Tiger straying, seawater intrusion, erosion of embankments etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the 'space race' between co‐occurring species is crucial to understand the effects of interspecific interactions on the extinction risk of species threatened by poachers and predators. Dynamic two‐species occupancy models provide a flexible framework to decompose complex species interaction patterns, while accounting for imperfect detection. These models can describe poachers–wildlife interactions, as they allow estimating occupancy, extinction and colonisation probabilities of wildlife conditional on the occurrence of poachers and vice versa. We applied our model to a case study on wildlife poaching in the eastern plains of Cambodia. We used co‐occurrence data extracted from the database of the SMART partnership to study the distribution dynamics between poachers and six ungulate species pooled together into the tiger prey guild. We used four years of survey data reporting the locations of snares and of presence signs of the ungulates recorded by rangers during their monthly multi‐patrolling sessions. Our results showed that a substantial proportion of the sites occupied by ungulate species went extinct over the years of the study while the proportion of sites colonised by poachers increased. We also showed, for the first time, that spatio‐temporal heterogeneity in the patrolling effort explains a great deal of the variation in the detection of poachers and ungulates. Our approach provides practitioners with a flexible and robust tool to assess conservation status of species and extinction risk of wildlife populations. It can assist managers in better evaluating, learning and adapting the patrolling strategies of rangers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of predators with similar morphology can be achieved by avoidance through behavioural, temporal and spatial segregation, which separates niches and reduces competition. Partitioning of space and time can reduce competition by decreasing the frequency of interspecific encounters that exploit a common resource base. We investigated temporal and spatial partitioning of tigers (Panthera tigris), leopards (Panthera pardus), dholes (Cuon alpinus), and their ungulate prey in Thung Yai Naresuan (East) Wildlife Sanctuary in western Thailand from April 2010 to January 2012. We collected camera trap data from 106 locations over 1,817 trap nights. Kernel density estimation and Spearman's rank correlation were used to quantify temporal and spatial activity patterns. Pianka's index was used to investigate the temporal and spatial overlap for each species pair. Tigers (crepuscular activity pattern) showed no temporal correlation with leopards (mostly diurnal) or dholes (strongly diurnal), but leopard activity appeared to correlate positively with dhole activity. Tigers exhibited temporal overlap with larger gaur (Bos gaurus) and sambar (Rusa unicolor); leopards did so with barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and wild boar (Sus scrofa); and dholes did so with barking deer and wild boar. The spatial correlations of tigers, leopards, and dholes did not significantly overlap, though numerically overlap was higher between felids than with the canid. None of the three predators significantly correlated with prey distribution, except for dholes with sambar. Our findings suggest that tigers, leopards, and dholes co-occur with spatial and temporal partitioning due to differences in prey activity and low overlap in space use correlated to prey preference. The partition in space and time between tigers and leopards can minimise their competition-associated prey activity, while leopards and dholes seem to be more generalist and not spatially correlated with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a number of animals mentioned in Marco Polo's book which present difficulties. A few are considered here. The papiones of the area near Fuzhou have been identified as Chinese ferret-badgers. It is suggested that this is probably correct. Wehr's hypothesis that the word "rondes" is a transcription of the Turkic and Persian term qunduz is discussed and rejected: "rondes" must be considered a scribal error. Marco's "lions" are usually tigers, but not always. Medieval European conceptions of the tiger are examined. Marco's references to the lynx are also discussed. The term ercolin has never been convincingly explained. It is shown that it almost certainly means "squirrel" and is probably derived from a German word. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

K. V. Dominic’s “God’s Tribunal” is a One Act Play which stands as a good example in Indian English literature for the departure from the reality. Reality is one thing / aspect and departure is another. Reality narrates one as it exists, prevails and functions. Departure is a deviant one deviating for the present position/existence. This One Act Play presents a complicated issue – man mishandling the problems on the earth, about which animals (cow, tiger), bird (cuckoo), Nature (tree), fish, the earth, why even women complain to God for justice. What are their complaints against man and how God reacts to them are truthfully narrated by the writer. Has the earth become unlivable? Is the earth for human beings only? What are the problems in the human kind? Is man doing more harm than good? The 9 characters (God, Earth, Man, Woman, Cow, tiger, cuckoo, tree and fish) also present a deviant argument and picture which are lively and true. The paper presents a vivisection of the One Act Play and also a reality of departure – a novel portrait in words by the playwright. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) have a wide distribution in Southeast Asia, but little is known about their natural predators. During a camera-trap survey in 2018 in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar, we photographed a male leopard (Panthera pardus) carrying a sun bear cub by the throat. This is the first reported case of probable predation on sun bears by leopards, and only their second confirmed predator. A literature review showed that consumption of sun bears and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) by tigers (P. tigris) was widespread in Southeast Asia, whereas consumption of both bear species by leopards and dholes (Cuon alpinus) was less common. Outside of Southeast Asia, tigers and leopards, but not dholes, were shown to kill or consume other bear species. Future research should examine interspecific relationships between sun bears and large felids to better understand what, if any, impacts large felids have on sun bear ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two methods for delivering a canarypox-vectored canine distemper vaccine to tigers (Panthera tigris) and domestic cats (Felis catus) were investigated. Eight tigers were divided randomly into two vaccination groups: subcutaneous injection or topical tonsillar application. Each tiger received 2 ml of canine distemper virus (CDV) vaccine (Merial Ferret Distemper Vaccine). Blood was collected from tigers on days 0, 21, 35 or 37, and 112 post–initial vaccination (PIV). Domestic cats were divided randomly into four treatment groups: saline injection (negative controls), low- and high-dose oral, and subcutaneous vaccinates. Blood was collected from domestic cats on days 0, 7, 21, and 28 and 165 or 208 PIV. Sera were tested for CDV antibodies by virus neutralization. All individuals were seronegative at the beginning of the study. One tiger vaccinated subcutaneously developed a titer of 32 by day 35, which reduced to 16 by day 112. Another tiger vaccinated by tonsillar application developed a titer of 8 on day 112. All other tigers remained seronegative. Cats that received saline injection or oral vaccination remained seronegative at each sampling time. Domestic cats vaccinated subcutaneously developed titers ranging from 4 to >128 by day 28, and those re-bled at day 166 had titers of 16 or 64. The disparity in response between domestic cats and tigers may be due to species differences or it may represent a dose-dependent effect. Subcutaneous vaccination with canarypox-vectored Purevax Ferret Distemper® is safe and elicits persistent antibody titers in domestic cats vaccinated parenterally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the Kilpura–Khatima–Surai corridor area within the Terai Arc Landscape, India for tiger presence. Monitoring of tiger presence and movement was recorded by photo-captures generated by deploying camera traps in corridor area in the years of 2012 and 2014. This corridor is the only connectivity between Nandhour WLS and Pilibhit tiger reserve. A total of 17 tigers were recorded in all of the three forest ranges of the corridor assessed even utilizing the bottlenecks of the corridor, which indicates functionality of this important conduit between two bigger forest patches i.e. Nandhour wildlife sanctuary and Pilibhit tiger reserve. We highlight the importance of corridors for large mammals like tigers and elephants and discuss some key points in terms of management implications which could provide a way forward to maintain the functionality of the Kilpura Khatima Surai corridor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraguild interactions have important implications for carnivore demography and conservation. Differences in how predators respond to different forms of disturbance might alter their interaction patterns. We sought to understand how human and livestock disturbance impact co-occurrence of sympatric large carnivores such as tiger (Panthera tigris) and leopard (P. pardus) and thereby mediate the intraguild interaction pattern to enable coexistence of the species in a human-dominated landscape. We surveyed 361 locations in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, to examine how prey abundance and disturbance factors such as human and livestock presence might influence habitat use by tigers and leopards independently and when co-occurring. Single-species single-season models and two-species single-season models were developed to examine hypotheses on unconditional detection and occupancy and species interaction respectively. Pervasive human use of the park had negative impacts on tiger occupancy while the abundance of prey had a positive influence. Despite significant prey overlap between tigers and leopards, none of the native prey species predicted leopard habitat occupancy. However, habitats used extensively by livestock were also used by leopards. Further, we found strong evidence of intraguild competition. For instance tiger occupancy was higher in prey-rich areas and leopard occupancy was low in the sites where tigers were present. These findings, and a species interaction factor of < 1 clearly indicate that leopards avoid tigers, but their use of areas of disturbance enables them to persist in fringe habitats. We provide empirical evidence of how intraguild interaction may result in habitat segregation between competing carnivores, while also showing that human and livestock use of the landscape create disturbance patterns that facilitate co-occurrence of the predators. Thus, because large carnivores compete, some disturbance may mediate coexistence in small protected areas. Understanding such interactions can help address important conservation challenges associated with maintaining diverse carnivore communities in small or disturbed landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly mobile creatures with remarkable exploratory behaviour, the modern tiger Panthera tigris and the modern Asiatic lion Panthera leo persica colonised Eurasia during the Late Pleistocene (from 126000 ± 5000 to 11700 years before present, BP) and the Holocene (from 11700 BP to the present day). Their respective ranges have overlapped several times but we tend to ignore the extent to which they have really coexisted because this situation has not occurred in recent times.We provide a state‐of‐the‐art review of all the data covering their chronological distribution, in order to evaluate the extent to which they have coexisted. We include new data from petroglyph analysis in Central Asia.The data set covers two major biogeographical regions: the Palearctic Biogeographic Realm (western Asia and Central Asia) and the Indo‐Malaysian Biogeographic Realm in Monsoon Asia.Lions and tigers shared space with a large variety of medium‐sized carnivores. We can hypothesise that, due to the plentiful prey and the diversity in habitats within their common range, they lived in sympatry there during the Holocene (although in local allopatry), as long as human interference was low.The Indo‐Malaysian Biogeographic Realm offered the best habitats for coexistence due to the tropical climate, the variety of habitats, and the great diversity in prey. In temperate Asia, the carrying capacity was naturally lower due to cold winters and dry summers, except along the coasts. Suitable habitats were limited, in Central Asia, to the tugais of the alluvial valleys and the adjacent steppes. In this region, lions were particularly sensitive to stresses, due to their low adaptability to harsh winters, the long distance to their main population sources, and the likelihood that they were pushed into the steppes by tigers, where they were killed by humans, for symbolic or pragmatic reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated landscape management of key population areas along with the corridors linking them is important for tiger conservation in the Indian subcontinent. Relationships between gene flow and landscape patterns, however, cannot be generalized given that different limiting factors influence movement in different spatial contexts. Here, we study the landscape features affecting tiger gene flow in the Western Ghats, and examine how and why limiting landscape features differ between Central India and the Western Ghats. We also assess whether these landscape features have been altered by land use changes in the last five decades. Our study area covers 30 000 km2 from Bhadra Tiger Reserve to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in India. We used genetic data of 115 tigers and landscape resistance model optimization to create a resistance surface to gene flow in the Western Ghats. Tiger gene flow, both in Central India and the Western Ghats, is primarily related to topographic roughness and secondarily to diffuse disturbance, however these relations are inverted in the two landscapes ‐ in Central India, gene flow correlates with rough terrain, whereas in the Western Ghats, it correlates with smooth, forested terrain with minimal human disturbance. Topographic complexity is an important factor affecting tiger dispersal, but tiger's response to topography seems to be dependent upon interactions with human‐related disturbance. Tigers in Central India favor rough terrain for dispersal primarily because it is the only part of the landscape without heavy human footprint and the last refuge for natural vegetation, whereas in the Western Ghats, forest cover is more extensive in flatter terrain and human footprint is generally lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wire-snare poaching is increasingly recognized as a major threat to endangered large carnivores in Africa and Asia. However, empirical information on the extent and distribution of snaring remains extremely limited beyond anecdotal reports presenting opportunistically collected data. In this study, we compile information to present a comprehensive synopsis of snaring of critically endangered Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae). Hunted for their parts and skins, Sumatran tigers remain in high demand in illicit international markets. We focus our analysis on the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra, Indonesia, which cumulatively contain ∼36 % of the island's remaining tiger habitat. Based on records collected from a combination of Indonesian government data, ranger patrol observations, and content analysis of local media, we identified 13 tiger snaring hotspots and documented 28 verified incidents of ensnared tigers between March 2008–March 2023. These totals represent minimum estimates because of spatiotemporal gaps in ranger patrols and inconsistent reporting of snaring by local communities. Our analysis of the incidents reveals tiger mortality in 9 (32.1 %) of the cases and permanent moves to ex-situ settings due to amputation or other debilitating snaring-induced injuries in another 8 (28.6 %) cases. Tiger snaring was positively correlated with forest-edge habitats in the Leuser Ecosystem, where 64.3 % of all incidents occurred. Across both provinces, 28.6 % of all snared tigers were allegedly captured in snares set in agricultural areas to control wild boar. To maximize efficacy of the government's ongoing anti-snare campaigns, we recommend increased personnel for ranger patrols and more attention on tiger-specific snaring impacts. • We identify 13 tiger snaring hotspots and document 28 verified incidents of ensnared tigers in northern Sumatra, Indonesia • 28.6% of all snared tigers were allegedly captured in snares set in agricultural areas to control wild boar • By land cover type, 67.9% (n=19) of all tiger snaring incidents occurred in agricultural areas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife attacks on livestock near human settlements are increasing due to the proximity of humans to protected areas. These attacks are often severe due to depredations of livestock adversely affecting the livelihoods of people. The nature of carnivore depredations on livestock can differ based on the carnivore species, animal husbandry practices, season, and deterrent technique. We surveyed people living near Bardia National Park (BNP), Nepal, to compare hoofed livestock depredations by leopards (Panthera pardus) and tigers (P. tigris) near (1 km) from this protected area. Overall, 1476 hoofed livestock were reportedly depredated by leopards, and 209 by tigers, during 2015–2019. The number of hoofed livestock killed by leopards each season was, at least, 86% higher than the number killed by tigers. More livestock were killed at BNP irrespective of carnivore deterrent techniques used. Due to severe effects created by livestock depredations near BNP, we recommend using more efficacious deterrent techniques when practical, in addition to improved livestock husbandry practices such as night penning.

Transradial approach for coronary intervention has gained popularity amongst experienced as well as upcoming interventional cardiologist. As compared to femoral access, the radial access has many advantages. Although like any other procedure, transradial approach is also not free of complications. Many vascular anomalies and complications are described, which includes radial artery spasm, tortuous course of axillary or subclavian artery, arteria lusoria, intimal dissection, perforation, compartment syndrome and rarely pseudoaneurysm formation. A few cases had been reported about kinking/twisting of radial catheter followed by trapping of catheter in the radial artery. Here we present such unusual case of an entrapped catheter in the radial artery and its successful retrieval with the help of goose snare. We would also like to propose a stepwise approach in such a case scenario.

Exclusion of people from wilderness to minimize anthropogenic threats to wildlife forms the historical basis for the establishment of some protected areas. Conservation efforts to resettle people from protected areas remain controversial as they often fail to address people's expectations and rebuild lives, especially in Africa and South Asia. Resettlement projects are especially challenging for the Indian government, with an estimated 4.3 million people sharing spaces with megafauna such as tigers and elephants within protected areas. Current Indian government policies focus on cash-based or a combined cash-land compensation package for families voluntarily relocating. We surveyed 592 households from four Indian protected areas and evaluated people's decisions to move relative to government policy provisions. Many (89%) households wanted to move for better education, healthcare, roads, agriculture, less human-wildlife conflict, and the government-aid package. Wage-labor dependent households chose to move due to high human-wildlife conflict, poorer small landholders for better agricultural opportunities, and larger households to avail government package benefits. Current government policies place heavy emphasis on agriculture-based livelihoods, poorly support other developmental needs or provide for alternative livelihoods. We call for greater transparency and participation of beneficiaries in the process, policy expansion to diversify skills and vocational training, accompanied by independent long-term monitoring post-resettlement.

An increasing intensity of camera traps recorded the presence of poorly known and globally Endangered Asiatic Wild Dogs Cuon alpinus from different locations in recent years in Nepal. After 18 years since the previous report, we recorded 29 photos and a video of Dholes in four independent detections with an effort of 4,035 trapnights during camera trap surveys targeted at tigers in the winter of 2016/2017. Solitary dholes were camera-trapped from four locations within 27.45km2 area in Bardia National Park. The evidence of a dead Dhole probably killed in retaliation shows the threat to the species. Dholes co-exist in Bardia with sympatric carnivores like Tiger Panthera tigris, Leopard Panthera pardus, and Jackal Canis aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine distemper virus (CDV) was reported in wild tigers from Russia and recently from India. Very few studies, however, have been carried out to gain an insight into the prevalence of the disease in India, particularly in the wild. CDV is the etiological agent of one of the most infectious diseases of domestic dogs. With the aim of exploring the threat CDV poses for tigers, a preliminary assessment was carried out to determine its prevalence from villages near Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan, India. Free-roaming dog populations within a 4-km-radius of the park's periphery were tested for antibodies against CDV. The seroprevalence of CDV antibodies in the sampled dogs was 86% (95% CI 78-91 %), indicating the probability of the dogs acting as a reservoir and having been exposed to CDV in the past. The seroprevalence of CAV antibodies was 44.23% (95% CI 35-54 %) and CPV antibodies was 95.19% (95% CI 91-99 %). This could threaten the tiger populations in the park, considering the close proximity of dogs to tigers. It is, therefore, crucial to assess disease threats at the domestic-wildlife interface and to establish management strategies for more effective conservation practices in the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the establishment of a national protected area system at the beginning of the 20th century to protect some of the world's most biodiverse forests, Indonesia has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world, due in part to the expansion of the global palm oil industry. The unique ecosystems of Sumatra, Indonesia provide habitat for critically endangered Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatrensis), and two species of orangutans (Pongo abelii and Pongo tapanuliensis). In this study, we use a matching method with generalized boosted models to determine the effectiveness of three nationally protected areas in preventing deforestation from 2002 to 2016. We also examine leakage – an increase in deforestation directly outside of protected areas relative to the wider landscape – to provide a clearer picture of the effects of agricultural expansion in this landscape. We found that Tesso Nilo National Park, with its lowland rain forest and conditions suitable for oil palm, offered the least protection from deforestation (avoided deforestation rate = 4.18%, p < 0.05 95% CI [1.97% - 6.45%]). Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, which may experience some de facto protection (i.e. protection due to factors independent of policy) with its mountainous terrain and difficult access, had the highest avoided deforestation rate (26.36%, p < 0.05 95% CI [24.17–28.55]), but had relatively high leakage (10.21%, p < 0.05 95% CI [7.51–12.98]). The low avoided deforestation rate in Tesso Nilo could be due to high localized human population and/or other socio-economic factors we were unable to control for in this study. The quantitative evidence of deforestation and effectiveness of protected areas in this heavily modified landscape supports the need for increased enforcement around protected areas locally, and globally in other oil palm production regions. These actions are critical in the preservation of global, tropical endemic flora and fauna. Meskipun telah membangun sistem kawasan konservasi sejak awal abad ke 20 untuk melindungi hutan dengan keanekaragaman hayati yang sangat tinggi, Indonesia masih merupakan negara yang memiliki laju deforestasi yang tertinggi di dunia, akibat penkembangan industri sawit di dunia. Ekosistem-ekosistem endemic di Sumatera-Indonesia merupakan habitat bagi spesies-spesies yang memiliki status konservasi kritis yaitu harimau Sumatera (Panthera tigris sumatrae), gajah Sumatera (Elephas maximus sumatrensis), dan dua species orangutan (Pongo abelii dan Pongo tapanuliensis). Dalam penelitian ini, kami menggunakan metode matching dengan model generalized boosted untuk menentukan efektivitas dari tiga kawasan konservasi dalam mencegah terjadinya deforestasi dari tahun 2002–2016. Kami juga menilai leakage (kebocoran) – yang merupakan kenaikan laju deforestasi pada area yang berdekatan dengan kawasan konservasi– untuk memberikan gambaran yang utuh atas dampak industri sawit dunia. Kami menemukan bahwa Taman Nasional Tesso Nilo, dengan habitat dan kondisi hutan tropis dataran rendah, yang juga sesuai untuk tanaman sawit, merupakan kawasan konservasi yang memiliki kemampuan paling rendah dalam melindungi dari deforestasi (laju pencegahan deforestasi = 4.18%, p < 0.05 95% CI [1.97% - 6.45%]). Sedangkan Taman Nasional Bukit Tigapuluh yang merupakan kawasan pegunungan memiliki laju pencegahan deforestasi tertinggi (26.36%, p < 0.05 95% CI [24.17–28.55]), namun memilki nilai kebocoran yang relatif tinggi (10.21%, p < 0.05 95% CI [7.51–12.98]). Fakta kuantitatif dari deforestasi dan efektivitas kawasan konservasi pada landskap yang termodifikasi sangat berat ini mengkonfirmasi adanya kebutuhan yang mendesak untuk melakukan penguatan di sekitar kawasan konservasi baik di tingkat lokal maupun global pada wilayah yang ditujukan untuk produksi sawit. Aksi-aksi tersebut sangat dibutuhkan untuk mendukung perlindungan flora dan fauna endemik di dunia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite conservation efforts, large mammals such as tigers (Panthera tigris) and their main prey, gaur (Bos gaurus), banteng (Bos javanicus), and sambar (Rusa unicolor), are highly threatened and declining across their entire range. The only large viable source population of tigers in mainland Southeast Asia occurs in Thailand's Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM), an approximately 19,000 km2 landscape of 17 contiguous protected areas.We used an occupancy modeling framework, which accounts for imperfect detection, to identify the factors that affect tiger distribution at the approximate scale of a female tiger's home range, 64 km2, and site use at a scale of 1‐km2. At the larger scale, we estimated the proportion of sites at WEFCOM that were occupied by tigers; at the finer scale, we identified the key variables that influence site‐use and developed a predictive distribution map. At both scales, we examined key anthropogenic and ecological factors that help explain tiger distribution and habitat use, including probabilities of gaur, banteng, and sambar occurrence from a companion study.Occupancy estimated at the 64‐km2 scale was primarily influenced by the combined presence of all three large prey species, and 37% or 5,858 km2 of the landscape was predicted to be occupied by tigers. In contrast, site use estimated at the scale of 1 km2 was most strongly influenced by the presence of sambar.By modeling occupancy while accounting for imperfect probability of detection, we established reliable benchmark data on the distribution of tigers in WEFCOM. This study also identified factors that limit tiger distributions; which managers can then target to expand tiger distribution and guide recovery elsewhere in Southeast Asia. This research presents the results of a multiple scale occupancy analysis of one of the largest tiger landscapes, the 19,000 km2 Western Forest Complex in Thailand. Despite its population is the best in Thailand and the large area that it occupies, tigers are estimated to occupy < half of this landscape. Our analysis demonstrates that the presence of the combination of all large mammals is the primary predictor on tiger occupancy at the approximate scale of a female tiger's home range (64 km2), but at a finer grain of site use (1 km2), sambar is primary predictor of habitat use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five adult tigers (Panthera tigris) presented with a range of clinical signs, including paresis (2/5), lameness (2/5), ataxia (3/5), anorexia (5/5), and lethargy (5/5). Each tiger demonstrated elevated plasma globulin levels (7.8–14.8 g/dl; [reference interval 2–5.1 g/dl]) on routine biochemistry, confirmed as a monoclonal gammopathy using protein electrophoresis. Serum gammaglobulin concentration ranged from 5 to 7.5 g/dl, or 45.1–63.4% of total protein concentration. Azotemia was present in three tigers. Diagnostics and management varied with the presenting signs but included magnetic resonance imaging, radiography, chemotherapy, supportive care, and euthanasia. In each case, necropsy revealed a neoplastic plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow and one or more extramedullary sites. Lytic lesions in the thoraco-lumbar spine were found in three animals, and one lesion was associated with spinal cord compression. Splenomegaly was present in 4/5 cases. Histopathology confirmed a plasma cell neoplasm in each case, and immunohistochemistry staining with multiple myeloma oncogene 1 (MUM1) was positive in each case. CD20 staining was performed in two cases and was positive in one. CD3 staining was performed in the same two cases, and was negative in each. Based on the clinical, gross, microscopic, and immunohistochemical findings, myeloma was diagnosed in all five tigers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet reconstruction of carnivores elucidates ecology of the species and prey-predator relationship in different bioclimatic regions. Micro-histological analyses of undigested prey hairs from tiger scats have widely been used for reconstruction of predator diet. However, sex of the prey is obtained from kill data, acquiring which require extensive and intensive monitoring. The encounter rate of scats in the field is relatively higher than that of kills. Thus, we used microscopic examination of prey hairs isolated from confirmed tiger scats (n = 42) collected from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India to identify prey species. We describe a novel method for prey sex identification from a single hair collected per tiger scat. We extracted DNA from the prey hairs and validated the absence of tiger DNA using felid specific microsatellite loci. We could amplify up to 230 bp (base pairs) nuclear and mitochondrial fragments successfully from DNA extracted from a single prey hair. We amplified a Y-linked fragment for identifying male individuals while using a mitochondrial marker as a control for PCR amplification. Sambar (Rusa unicolor) and chital (Axis axis) were the principal prey of tiger in the study area with frequencies of occurrences of 47.6 and 30.9% respectively in tiger scats. The proportions of sambar and chital males in tiger diet were 80 and 61.5% respectively. The literature indicate that cervid males are more prone to predation, possibly shaping the demography of the prey species. The results corroborated previous studies reporting male-biased predation and were consistent with the low proportion of males documented in the wild populations. This technique can also identify the sex of young prey, which is difficult to ascertain from kills. Therefore, the described methodology holds the potential to augment information on tiger diet and underlying prey-predator dynamics to a finer resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large carnivore populations are globally threatened by human impacts. Better protection could benefit carnivores, co‐occurring species, and the ecosystems they inhabit. The relationship between carnivores and humans, however, is not always consistent in areas of high human activities and is often mediated through the effects of humans on their ungulate prey. To test assumptions regarding how prey abundance and humans affect carnivore occurrence, density, and daily activity patterns, we assessed tiger–prey–human spatiotemporal patterns based on camera‐trapping data in Hunchun Nature Reserve, a promising core area for tiger restoration in China. Our study area contained seasonally varying levels of human disturbance in summer and winter. We used N‐mixture models to predict the relative abundance of ungulate prey considering human and environmental covariates. We estimated tiger spatial distribution using occupancy models and models of prey relative abundance from N‐mixture models. Finally, we estimated temporal activity patterns of tigers and prey using kernel density estimates to test for temporal avoidance between tigers, prey, and humans. Our results show that human‐related activities depressed the relative abundance of prey at different scales and in different ways, but across species, the relative abundance of prey directly increased tiger occupancy. Tiger occupancy was strongly positively associated with the relative abundance of sika deer in summer and winter. The crepuscular and nocturnal tigers also apparently synchronized their activity with that of wild boar and roe deer. However, tigers temporally avoided human activity without direct spatial avoidance. Our study supports the effects of humans on tigers through human impacts on prey populations. Conservation efforts may not only target human disturbance on predators, but also on prey to alleviate human–carnivore conflict. We use data from the recovering Amur tiger population in China from an extensive remote camera‐trapping study to understand the effects of humans on tigers and their prey in both space and time. Our study showed human affected tigers both by direct temporal avoidance and indirectly via the negative influence of humans on the relative abundance of the primary wild prey of tigers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight adult tigers (Panthera tigris) underwent a complete echocardiographic examination following sedation with medetomidine, midazolam, and induction of general anesthesia using ketamine and isoflurane (phase 1). Atipamezole was used to antagonize medetomidine (phase 2) and a second echocardiographic examination was performed. Physiologic tricuspid and pulmonic regurgitations were common findings in the sample population and one tiger was excluded from final analyses due to the finding of a ventricular septal defect. Measurements and mean arterial pressure were assessed for statistically significant differences between the two examination phases as well as gender and weight. There was a statistically significant difference between interventricular septum thickness at end systole, ejection fraction, and mean arterial pressure between anesthetic phases while fractional shortening and left ventricular internal dimension at end-systole approached, but did not reach, statistical significance between phases. Weight was found to be a statistically significant predictor of stroke volume and left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole. The echocardiographic measurements obtained during this study can be used as guidelines for future examinations in adult tigers. The effects of medetomidine on these measurements and systolic function should be taken into account when performing echocardiograms and monitoring anesthetic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global tiger Panthera tigris populations mostly survive within the geographically fragmented forest patches, thereby limited genetic exchange between isolated populations. Assessing the genetic status of these populations can reveal the effects of dispersal barriers and provide critical insights to guide future conservation actions. Using non-invasively collected biological samples, we investigated fine-scale genetic structure of tigers in the Sundarbans mangrove forests intersected by the complex river systems, and which holds one of the largest global tiger populations. We genotyped 52 tiger samples at 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci, and sequenced 33 of them for a total of 1263 base-pairs at four mitochondrial gene fragments. Microsatellite analyses exhibit a signature of fine-scale genetic structure, which might have been the consequence of limited tiger dispersal due to wide rivers across the Sundarbans. Similarly, mitochondrial data show a historic pattern of population isolation that might be due to wider rivers across the entire Sundarbans shared by Bangladesh and India. Given the intrinsic nature of the mangrove habitat embedded with numerous rivers, increased commercial traffic and human activities may further impede tiger dispersal across wide rivers, escalating further genetic isolation of the Sundarbans tigers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sundarban, the single largest mangrove block in the world, is shared by India and Bangladesh. It has a rich biodiversity that provides staggering ecosystem services to local inhabitants for their livelihoods. Its top carnivores, tigers on land and crocodiles in the water, seem to protect the entire ecosystem, but lead to human-carnivore conflicts. Gradual ingression of saline water through tidal flooding into the rivers and creeks causes a threat to primary farming such as agriculture and aquaculture. Owing to the steady decline of earnings from farming, people living in the fringe zones of the forested lands are compelled to enter into the protected areas for collecting bio-resources without valid permits, resulting in inevitable conflicts with carnivores. In this context, a meta-analysis of human-carnivore conflict was done in the Sundarban to find out the causes, pattern, and trend of conflict of each type considering a variety of temporal, spatial, and societal parameters in order to provide a better understanding of the comparison to similar conflicts worldwide. These conflicts account for poor agriculture in one way and economically potential bio-resources in another, compelling local inhabitants to depend upon forest resources. To mitigate the conflict, there have been selective measures implemented. We review these measures as categorized into three different types, such as i) innovative approaches, conceptualized and then implemented ii) conventional approaches, applied when needed, and iii) protective approaches established for the conservation of both tigers and crocodiles. We synthesize the entire prevailing system and suggest a comprehensive conservation plan for the application that is flexible, involving adaptive management, a continuous process tested through trial and error. In this plan, actions are accessed, adapted, and tested again, eventually leading to a coexistence that is acceptable to the affected people and enables the tigers and crocodiles to continue playing their ecological function. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional hunting methods, despite their simple design pose a serious hazard to wild animals. Keeping in view, the negative impacts of traditional hunting methods including wire snares on the survival of wildlife, especially tigers that are endangered, anti-snare walks were carried out in Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR). We used a stratified random sampling method to walk a total of 142.71 km on 23 tracks along the forest fringes of eight forest ranges in the VTR. A total of 132 hunting incidences were encountered out of which 44 were wire snares, followed by 35 bird snares, 27 other hunting tools (axe, bow, arrows, sickles, and knife), 14 nets for mammals, 6 spears, 4 jaw traps, and only 2 electric wires. The detection rate of hunting incidences was 0.92 ± 0.32 per kilometre. The majority of snares were made of clutch wire (89 %), and the rest were made of galvanised iron wire (11 %). The average diameter of a snare loop was 37.75 ± 6.79 cm, while the average length was 219.52 ± 20.99 cm. The result showed that the snare loop and anchor plant girth have a linear relationship (i.e., positive correlation) with the number of snares. The detection rate of snares increased in the VTR boundary zones, with the highest density (66 %) found at the international border (Nepal) and interstate (Uttar Pradesh), India. We developed a kernel density estimation map to show hunting hotspots in the VTR, with the darker the red, the more the dense the event locations of the hunting incidences. We involved 268 people in the anti-snare walk, including representatives from various law enforcement agencies and local volunteers, in order to build capacity by providing participants with direct field-based practice. Our findings are expected to add valuable ground-based data to fill current knowledge gaps on the deleterious impact of hunting methods including snares on wildlife in VTR. • Here we provide a detailed study on the quantification of hunting methods as a threat to wildlife in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar India • We observed snaring was the common hunting method used by local poachers in the landscape with detection rate of 0.32 ±0.23 per km. • We provided participants with direct field-based training for future detecting hunting incidences along forest fringes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]