K.r. Ramesh

Assessing Prey Predator Distribution in Segur Plateau K.r. Ramesh

The prey - predators and conflict were studied in the segur plateau ( Nilgiri District) during October to January 2011-12. Among three carnivores, tiger, leopard and wild dog sign percentage were 65%, 38%, 24.6% respectively. Similarly, the occupancy survey also showed the tiger population were predominant. This study were conducted to determine the population structure and evaluate the population density of different potential prey species of the three carnivores in the segur plateau. In order to know the population structure and density, the line-transect sampling method were used. The overall individual density (no./km2) were chital (68), sambar (7.7), gaur (8.6), black napped hare (5.31), elephant (1.7 )and wild pig (3.0). the chital having a more density compare to other herbivores. The carnivores food habitat and human conflict also studied in the segur plateau. A total of 232 scats were collected in the field tiger 97 scats, leopard 63 and wild dog 72 respectively. Tiger diet was primarily constituted by nine species.. Leopard diet was primarily constituted by six species and wild dog four species found in feeding.