Prediction 3: Core areas of large carnivores vary within and across species and habitats
Core areas of animal home ranges have been defined as specific areas within the animal range which may be frequented by the animal for food sources or as a refuge (Kaufmann, 1962; Ewer, 1968). Within a species, although the individual home ranges may overlap, core areas within these home ranges remain exclusive (Ewer, 1968). We hypothesized that core areas would be significantly different within and across species; and the level of human disturbance may influence their configuration (number, area and perimeter).