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Protecting large carnivores by studying their prey

Can we protect large carnivores more efficiently by studying the ecology of ungulates? An international team of scientists, including Soňa Vařachová and Professor Pavel Kindlmann from the Institute of Environmental Studies aimed to shed some light on this issue. Their study focused on the ecological demands of the barking deer in the mountains of Nepal. Even though the object of the study was a single species of ungulate, the main objective of the research was in fact the protection of the common leopard.

It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that if we want to study and protect large carnivores, the key to success is ungulates. However, they are a preferred prey of these predators and a reduction in their numbers creates difficulties when searching for food. Consequently, carnivores may target domestic animals and present an indirect threat to local inhabitants. Therefore, if we wish to comprehend the behaviour of large carnivores and prevent these conflicts, we have to study ungulates, their behaviour, and preferred habitats in order to devise appropriate management and conservation regimes.

The authors of this study focused on a solitary ungulate of the dense tropical and subtropical forests of Asia, the barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis). This species is common in the mid-hills of Nepal and plays a crucial role in the protection of the common leopard (Panthera pardus) as it forms a major component of its diet. Barking deer are selective browsers and usually feed on herbs, flowers, fruits, bamboo shoots, sprouts, seeds, or grass. They may also feed on birds’ eggs and carrion, or use their canines and forelegs to kill small mammals.

Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), India, illustrative photo.
source: Wikipedia, author: N.A.Naseer

According to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the barking deer is considered a species of least concern. Nevertheless, in Nepal it has been classified as vulnerable and has been protected there since 1973. The barking deer lives in subtropic areas up to high elevations. At lower elevations, there is a richer community of various species of ungulates, whereas in higher elevations the barking deer constitutes an essential part of the common leopard’s diet.

Data for this research were collected in winter via a transect survey, which is a method widely used to monitor wild animals, especially mammals. All individual barking deers were recorded along with evidence of their indirect presence (pellets, hairs, footprints). The transects were laid out along walking trails and paths created by animals. Even though winter is much more suitable for tracking animals than summer, two experts on wild mammals, two local people, and two forest guards also participated in the study.

The authors focused on several ecological factors which may affect the abundance of barking deer. In terms of microclimatic factors, elevation, slope and aspect of the terrain, depth of leaf litter, and percentage coverage of leaf litter were recorded. In addition, the team also collected information about proximity to human settlements, food resources (percentage of grass cover and trees), distance from a water source, and forest management regimes. This study included community forests, which are managed for the joint benefit of both the forest and the local people (this research focused on almost 120 ha of the Tibrekot community forest) and protected forest areas, which focus mainly on conservation and wildlife management (this study covered 130 ha of the Panchase protected forest). The average elevation of both study sites is approximately 1,000 metres a.s.l. and they have similar ecological and topographical features.

Map showing vegetation types and land use in Nepal. 
source: Wikipedia, author: Uddinkabir

The results revealed that the barking deer is present at various elevations. Contrary to previous expectations, it was found to spend its time somewhat further from human settlements and to prefer steep slopes, where it may find a refuge from both people and predators. This species seems to actively seek forests with a high percentage of leaf cover (60–80%) and leaf litter (at least 1 cm), which serves as insulation when lying down. The authors identified a positive effect of trees and grass on the abundance of barking deer, which is likely to be closely linked to a plethora of food (surplus of fallen leaves and fruit), shelter, and water sources in such places. Moreover, ungulates usually seek shelter in the forest at night and to escape from storms during the dry season.

However, the authors did not identify any significant difference in the presence of barking deer in the two types of forest studied. Conservation should, therefore, consider the above mentioned parameters – leaf cover, leaf litter, and sources of food and water, rather than the management regime in a given forest area.

Neupane, B., Dhami, B., Bista, S., Sadadev, B. M., Regmi, S., Shrestha, S., ... & Kindlmann, P. (2022). Ecological Factors Determining Barking Deer Distribution and Habitat Use in the Mid-Hills of Nepal. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution.

Veronika Rudolfová

Published: Sep 10, 2022 10:30 PM

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