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Long-distance dispersal by a male sub-adult tiger in a human-dominated landscape
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  • Zehidul Hussain,
  • Pallavi Ghaskadbi,
  • Pramod Panchbhai,
  • Ravikiran Govekar,
  • Parag Nigam,
  • Bilal Habib
Zehidul Hussain
Wildlife Institute of India

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Pallavi Ghaskadbi
Wildlife Institute of India
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Pramod Panchbhai
Maharashtra Forest Department
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Ravikiran Govekar
Maharashtra Forest Department
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Parag Nigam
Wildlife Institute of India
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Bilal Habib
Wildlife Institute of India
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Abstract

Conservation of wide-ranging species is a challenge owing to their movement in an increasingly fragmented world. Long-distance dispersal has significant implications for ecosystem functioning, and such movement becomes challenging while navigating through a heterogeneous and human-dominated landscape. Here, we describe one of the longest dispersal journey by a sub-adult male tiger through GPS telemetry in Central India. We analyzed movement metrics, directionality, and space use during three behavioural stages of dispersal. We also used the clustering method to identify resting and kill sites (n = 89). T1-C1 dispersed a straight-line distance of 315 km over 225 days, moving an average 8.4 km/day and covering a cumulative displacement of ̵̴ 3000 km. Movement during post-dispersal was higher (mean = 465.6 m/h) than those during dispersal (mean = 376.6 m/h) and pre-dispersal (mean = 132.2 m/h), respectively. Moreover, movement during the night was significantly faster than during the day in all three phases. Likewise, during dispersal, the movement was faster (mean = 518.2 m/h) and more directional (knight = 0.19) at night than day. The average size of clusters was 1.68 ha and primarily away from human habitation (mean = 1875.6 m). The mean cluster duration (46.31 hr) was higher in the non-forested area but was smaller in size than inside the forest (p< 0.05). The individual crossed roads faster (mean= 1880.9 m/hr) than it travelled during other times. During the post-dispersal phase, T1-C1 established its home range with an area of 319.48 sq. km. (95% dBBMM). The dispersal event highlights the long-distance and multiscale movement behaviour in a heterogeneous landscape. Moreover, small forest patches play a key role in maintaining large carnivore connectivity while dispersing through a human-dominated landscape. Our study underlines how documenting the long-distance movement and integrating it with modern technology can improve conservation management decisions.
25 Jan 2022Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
25 Jan 2022Submission Checks Completed
25 Jan 2022Assigned to Editor
26 Jan 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
18 Apr 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Apr 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
30 Jun 20221st Revision Received
01 Jul 2022Submission Checks Completed
01 Jul 2022Assigned to Editor
01 Jul 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Jul 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
10 Aug 20222nd Revision Received
11 Aug 2022Assigned to Editor
11 Aug 2022Submission Checks Completed
11 Aug 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Aug 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
16 Aug 20223rd Revision Received
17 Aug 2022Submission Checks Completed
17 Aug 2022Assigned to Editor
17 Aug 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Aug 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
24 Aug 20224th Revision Received
25 Aug 2022Submission Checks Completed
25 Aug 2022Assigned to Editor
25 Aug 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Aug 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
Sep 2022Published in Ecology and Evolution volume 12 issue 9. 10.1002/ece3.9307