Terrestrial mammals of Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka, India: A camera-trap inventory and seasonal assessments
Paper Details
Terrestrial mammals of Bannerghatta National Park, Karnataka, India: A camera-trap inventory and seasonal assessments
Abstract
There seems to exist a knowledge gap in the information available on diversity or spatio-temporal distribution of mammals in Bannerghatta National Park (hereinafter BNP), as very few studies have been conducted here in the past decade. Hence, an evaluation of the richness, seasonal habitat use and diel activity patterns of mammals in the BNP was carried out from camera-trap records obtained between the years 2012 and 2016. This assessment has ascertained the presence of 17 terrestrial mammals belonging to 5 orders and 12 families, including 8 threatened species. This includes the first confirmed evidence of 3 species, tiger (Panthera tigris), rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) and honey badger (Mellivora capensis). Eight species were recorded in all three seasons, suggesting there are resident populations of these species in Bannerghatta National Park. Movement of unauthorized people, domestic and feral animals within the forest, quantified from photo-captures, were found to be low with only 23 encounters (6.27%), however, it occurred up to 2.2km from the forest boundary. Our analysis provides guidance on suitable season, operational duration and deployment positioning for camera-trap research in this landscape, as well as improving our understanding of mammals in this part of south India.
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