January 29, 2021
Conserving Large Carnivores in India: Role of Science
Dr. Yadvendradev V. Jhala
Wildlife Institute of India, Sr. Professor and Dean
Abstract
Large space requirements, low densities, conflict with human interests and illegal demand for body parts, make large carnivores vulnerable to extinctions. Conserving viable populations in small Protected Areas (PAs, average size ~239km 2 ) having varied intensity of human use and surrounded by a matrix of high human density is extremely challenging. Herein, I review contribution of research from studies on tigers, lions, and other large carnivores towards the assessment of status, demography, population viability, habitat connectivity, conservation genetics and human-carnivore conflict in formulating policy and management strategies.
Due to their small size, only a few PAs can harbor viable populations. Sharing space with humans is an essential and unavoidable conservation strategy for most large carnivores. Securing source populations, low density occupancy within sink habitats, and corridor connectivity between populations are essential for meta-population structure and the only strategy that ensures long-term persistence of carnivore populations. Conflict is inevitable when carnivores share space with people, understanding and managing this conflict within site specific social and economic context is essential.
Country scale assessment of tigers, co-predators and prey has made it possible to keep the pulse of site-specific status and direct management efforts. Conservation Genetics has helped identify ancient, unique and divergent gene pools for targeted investments. Incentivized, voluntary relocation of humans from within core areas of tiger reserves has created inviolate space for wildlife (over 35,000 km 2 ). Mapping of habitat corridors has allowed for informed impact assessments for development projects, delineation of eco-sensitive zones for PAs and ensured wildlife friendly norms for infrastructure development. Wildlife science has played a pivotal role in shaping conservation policy and management strategies in modern India. Policy and management based on principles of conservation biology have resulted in recovery of some large carnivores and highlighted strategies that need to be implemented for some others.
Biosketch
Yadvendradev Jhala, is a senior professor and dean at the Wildlife Institute of India. He has researched carnivores and ungulates in India during the past 30 years. These include Indian wolves, tigers, Asiatic lions, snow leopards, striped hyenas, golden jackal, Indian fox, blackbuck, spotted deer, and greater one horned rhinoceros. He teaches graduate courses on conservation biology and population ecology. Jhala received his PhD from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, VA in 1991 and worked with the Smithsonian Institution till 1993 after which he joined the Wildlife Institute of India as a faculty. In 1987 Jhala worked with Dr. David Mech and Dr. Rolf Peterson to learn about wolf research, which he subsequently applied in India. Jhala’s research and country scale monitoring of tiger populations for the past 15 years has resulted in major policy and changes in wildlife management practices in India.