Top Panel





Home :: Projects :: Pugmarks
Pugmark-based Population Monitoring Protocol for the Tiger & other Large Felids

Without reliable estimates of tiger numbers, it is not possible to assess whether measures such as bans on the tiger bone trade are effectively reducing tiger losses. Precise, cost effective techniques of population monitoring that can be widely used by field managers are therefore urgently needed.

A commonly used method to determine the population size of big cats is the pugmark technique. It is based on the theory that an individual animal leaves a distinct pugmark (paw print). Plaster casts or photographs of the cats’ pugmarks are taken from their range and then analysed by experts to determine the cat population of the area.

A recent study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India tried to establish whether tiger pugmarks are an effective way of identifying individual animals, and whether they provide reliable information for monitoring and counting tiger populations.

WPSI is now supporting a follow up study on the viability of the pugmark technique in estimating the size and structure of big cat populations. The project includes field trials of the pugmark method to assess its potential for population monitoring of tigers and three other big cats - the Asiatic lion, the leopard and the snow leopard.

The project aims to develop a cost effective, field-friendly, accurate and replicable monitoring protocol for tigers. At the same time, it is gathering quantitative evidence that the pugmark technique can be used for population monitoring of other big cats.

Sandeep Sharma under the supervision Mr. H.S. Panwar, Ex-director, Project Tiger and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Mr. V. B. Sawarkar, Director & Dean, WII and Dr. Y.V.Jhala, Sr. Reader, WII is carrying out the project.

Final Report

 


 

 

 

  Untitled Document
 Search:







TIGER NEWS



Elite appetite turns Bangladesh from source to consumer of tiger parts, 9th Jan., 2024


Photos of tiger, gaur set new national and world records: Sikkim forest and environment department, 4th Jan., 2024


Previous



WILDLIFE NEWS


India has 718 snow leopards; most of them live in unprotected areas: Centre, 30th Jan., 2024

After 40 years, Centre revises rules on wildlife trade, 20th Jan., 2024

Previous


PROJECTS


Tiger Poaching & Illegal Wildlife Trade Investigations




TIGER MORTALITY

TIGER DEATHS IN 2024
 Mortality                     40
 Poaching &             
 Seizures                        8
___________________
       Total                       48



TIGER DEATHS IN 2023
 Mortality                 149
 Poaching &               56
 Seizures                   
___________________
       Total                   205


TIGER POACHING 1994-2023


LEOPARD MORTALITY

LEOPARD DEATHS IN 2024
 Mortality                121
 Poaching &              38
 Seizures             
___________________
       Total                  159


LEOPARD DEATHS IN 2023
 Mortality                 410
 Poaching &             155
 Seizures             
___________________
       Total                   565
     

LEOPARD POACHING 1994-2023



TIGER RESERVES
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Map 

Bandhavgarh



Jobs

Assitant Accountant


 
Untitled Document
  About us | ProjectsNewsThe TigerDonations | How To Help Links| Publications | Crime MapsFAQsContact Us

Wildlife Protection Society of India. All material is protected by law.