Analysis of predator-prey balance in Bandipur tiger reserve with reference to census reports

Abstract

The deciduous forest habitats of the 690 km² Bandipur tiger reserve in Kamataka State harbour major mammalian predators such as tiger, leopard and dhole supported by a large and diverse assemblage of prey species. It is reported that populations of these animals have increased dramatically in recent years, in response to improved management practices. These conclusions are drawn on the basis of population estimates of different species obtained using several census techniques currently in practice. In this paper I have examined the broad predator-prey balance among larger mammals of the reserve using the 1982 census figures, integrating ecological data on these species fiom several recent studies into the analysis. This analysis suggests that the predator and prey population estimates are not meaningful. Comparisons of distributional density and biomass of different species and the total prey biomass calculated here with those obtained from other important studies in the Indian sub-continent reinforce these conclusions. Therefore, a radical revision of all the present census techniques and introduction of appropriate modern census methods are recommended.