Faeces of tigers and leopards would now help in the hi-tech conservation of these carnivores. The method allows wildlife researchers to genetically identify species (tiger and leopard, in this case) without looking at the physical size/shape of the scats. The technique has been developed by a team of wildlife scientists in the country wherein a range of novel genetic approaches can identify species, sex and individuals of big cats from their scats.
The study, called Identifying species, sex and individual tigers and leopards in the Malenad — Mysore Tiger landscape, Western Ghats, India, was conducted by a group of experts from Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (CCMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Centre for Wildlife Studies and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The team collected 312 faecal samples of carnivores across 20,000 sq. km landscape in Karnataka, and used molecular tools to identify the species, assign individual identities and also determine the gender of the animal. This revealed that of the 229 leopard samples, 78 were females and 56 were males; of the 39 tigers, 13 were females and five males and 44 of canids (including wolves, foxes, jackals, wild dogs etc).
This pilot study for tigers and leopards is a step ahead in conservation genetics as compared to the camera trap method that is being largely used for their estimation. Based on the pictures taken by trap cameras, Individual tigers and leopards are identified on the pattern of stripes/spots. However, the scat method can be more reliable and efficient, said the experts.
According to the study, this method allows wildlife researchers to genetically identify species (tiger and leopard, in this case) without looking at the physical size/shape of the scats. This can reduce the error in species identification, particularly involving similar body-size species in a large landscape.
“The technique can also be applied to a range of other species that are not easily identifiable based on the physical appearance. This, for instance, includes large mammals such as bears or dholes,” said the researchers. Similarly, this method can also be helpful in cases of endangered species.
“While species identification using genetic tools has already been done in the past, the approach we have developed for tigers and leopards is the first of its kind. In a single experimental reaction, we can differentiate these two species, which is very useful and quick way to know about them,” said Samba Kumar, Additional Director — Science and Conservation, WCS.
Further, accurate scientific baseline data is the foundation of a good conservation initiative, said K Ullas Karanth, Director of the Centre for Wildlife Studies.”We are constantly looking to develop simpler yet more accurate methods to collect data on wildlife, which will eventually be applied in their conservation,” he added.
