Habitat Modeling for Tiger (Penthra Tigris) Using Geo-spatial Technology of Panna Tiger Reserve (M.P.) India

Abstract

The Tiger (Panthera tigris) population in India has undergone a sharp decline during the last few years. Habitat zones where prey populations are abundant are likely to be preferred by the tiger in comparison to those where they are scarce or absent. An area having a high density of road would be avoided by wild animals as compared to an area with few or no roads because there is a high traffic and constant noise. Habitat suitability index (HSI) models have been used to evaluate wildlife habitat. These models are based on functional relationships between wildlife and habitat variables. Values of habitat variables (e.g., herbaceous canopy cover, tree canopy cover, tree height) are related to habitat quality on a suitability index (SI) scale from 0 = "not habitat" to 1 = "habitat of maximum suitability." Habitat suitability index scores, also on a 0-1 scale, are usually calculated using a mathematical formula representing hypothesized relationships among the individual SIs. Tiger (Panthera tigris) prefer core habitats, generally avoid area with high edge density. In the study area landscape, the Ken River is the perennial water sources; Prey species of tiger and the Tiger also preferred areas proximate to perennial water sources is favored. Tigers, under normal circumstances of human settlement, avoid traversing through such areas. Tiger"s preferred prey includes in the study area, this group is commonly represented by Chital (Axis axis), Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Wild-boar (Sus scrofa), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), and Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) were also encountered in the study area.