Daily Current Affairs : 28-August-2023
The enigmatic world of tigers, the majestic striped felines, has always fascinated humans. These creatures, dwelling in the Indian part of the Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL), have long been a subject of study for scientists at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Recently, a remarkable discovery has emerged from a rather unusual source: tiger poop. In this essay, we delve into the intriguing findings about tiger prey selection in the TAL region and the importance of these discoveries for wildlife conservation.
Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL): A Vital Habitat
Before delving into the fascinating details about tiger prey preferences, let’s take a closer look at the Terai-Arc Landscape itself. Situated between the Yamuna River in the west and the Bhagmati River in the east, this region encompasses the Shivalik hills, adjoining bhabhar areas, and the Terai flood plains. Stretching across the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, as well as the low-lying hills of Nepal, TAL has earned recognition as the “World Restoration Flagship” by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This acknowledgment is part of the ongoing UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration Campaign (2021-2030).
Notably, around 22% of India’s wild tiger population resides in TAL, coexisting with some of the highest human and livestock densities on the subcontinent. The region also boasts a rich mammalian diversity, including herbivores like gaur, nilgai, sambar, northern swamp deer, wild pig, chital, goral, and primates, along with carnivores such as leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, and, of course, the mighty tiger.
Key Findings: Tiger Prey Selection Patterns
In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Mammalogy, researchers from WII used tiger feces to unravel the mysteries of the big cat’s diet. Here are the key findings:
- Livestock Predation Patterns: The study revealed that both protected and non-protected areas in the Terai region are susceptible to conflicts arising from livestock predation by tigers. This sheds light on the challenges faced by tigers in coexisting with human activities.
- Hotspots of Conflict: Tiger poop served as an unlikely informant, aiding scientists in pinpointing conflict hotspots spanning an extensive 15,000 sq. km of the tiger’s habitat along the Himalayan foothills. These hotspots are critical areas for conservation efforts.
- Diet Composition: Large-bodied species such as sambar, swamp deer, nilgai, chital, wild pig, and livestock constituted approximately 94% of the tiger’s diet. Among these, sambar, chital, and livestock stood out as the primary food sources for tigers.
Suggestions for Conservation
Understanding the dietary choices of tigers is more than just a curiosity; it has profound implications for wildlife conservation. The scientists at WII put forth some valuable suggestions:
- Community Involvement: Recognizing the vital role of large carnivores in maintaining ecological diversity, it is crucial to involve local communities in managing potential threats arising from livestock predation. This could help mitigate conflicts and ensure the peaceful coexistence of tigers and humans.
- Long-Term Conservation: To safeguard the future of tigers in TAL, it is imperative to estimate prey abundance beyond protected areas, reduce grazing pressures on tiger habitats, and meticulously document tiger mortalities while investigating their causes. These long-term conservation strategies are essential for ensuring conflict-free tiger persistence in the Terai-Arc Landscape.
Important Points:
Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL): A Vital Habitat
- Spans between the Yamuna River (west) and Bhagmati River (east).
- Includes Shivalik hills, bhabhar areas, and Terai flood plains.
- Spreads across Indian states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Nepal.
- Designated as the “World Restoration Flagship” by FAO.
- Home to about 22% of India’s wild tiger population.
- High human and livestock densities in the region.
- Rich mammalian diversity, including herbivores and carnivores.
Key Findings: Tiger Prey Selection Patterns
- Study used tiger feces to understand the tiger’s diet.
- Both protected and non-protected areas face conflicts due to livestock predation.
- Tiger feces helped identify 15,000 sq. km of conflict hotspots.
- Major prey items include sambar, swamp deer, nilgai, chital, wild pig, and livestock.
- Sambar, chital, and livestock are primary food sources for tigers.
Suggestions for Conservation
- Emphasize community involvement in managing threats from livestock predation.
- Implement long-term conservation plans:
- Estimate prey abundance outside protected areas.
- Reduce grazing pressures on tiger habitats.
- Record tiger mortalities and investigate causes for conflict-free tiger persistence in TAL.
Why In News
The analysis of tiger excrement has enabled a group of researchers at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to gain valuable insights into the dietary preferences of these magnificent creatures within the Indian region of the Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL). This innovative approach sheds light on the intricacies of their hunting habits and contributes to our understanding of tiger ecology.
MCQs about Unlocking Tiger Prey Patterns in the Terai-Arc Landscape
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What is the Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL)?
A. A desert region in India
B. A mountain range in Nepal
C. A vital habitat for tigers in India and Nepal
D. A famous waterfall in Uttarakhand
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What is the primary finding of the study regarding tiger prey selection in TAL?
A. Tigers primarily prey on small mammals in protected areas.
B. Conflict related to livestock predation is limited to protected areas.
C. Sambar, chital, and livestock are the primary food sources for tigers.
D. Tigers primarily prey on wild pigs in non-protected areas.
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Why is community involvement emphasized?
A. To encourage tourism in TAL
B. To reduce human populations in tiger habitats
C. To manage threats arising from livestock predation
D. To promote international cooperation for tiger conservation
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What is the significance of the Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL) in terms of tiger population?
A. TAL has no tigers due to high human and livestock densities.
B. TAL has the highest tiger population in India.
C. Approximately 22% of India’s wild tiger population is found in TAL.
D. TAL is a new habitat for tigers and not well-studied.
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