New insights into the factors influencing movements and spatial distribution of reintroduced Bengal tigers ( Panthera tigris tigris ) in the human-dominated buffer zone of Panna Tiger Reserve, India

Abstract

The influence of tiger-specific (sex, age group), environmental (seasons, photoperiod) and anthropogenic (human use regimes) factors on the movements and spatial distribution of tigers using the human-dominated buffer zone of the Panna Tiger Reserve, India was studied. Generalised linear mixed models were used to test the significance of the relationships between the covariates influencing tiger presence. We report that tiger-specific factors – age group (generation) and sex – and environmental factors – seasons and day/night – significantly explain the observed variations in tiger use of the human-dominated buffer zone. For instance, second-generation tigers (sub-adults) spent 40% of their time in the human-use areas, compared to 10% spent by first-generation tigers (adult). When in human-use areas, sub-adult tigers approached areas near villages and spent 30% less time in areas close to water than adult tigers. Our study concludes that, in addition to tiger-specific factors, human factors, including livestock practices and peoples’ activities, influence tiger behaviour and their use of shared spaces. These unchecked human practices may lead to increased negative tiger-human interactions and restricts tigers from exploiting the resources in multiple-use areas.

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