Title
Estimating the Indochinese tiger Panthera tigris carbetti population in Thailand
Author(s)
Rabinowitz A.
Published
1993
Publisher
Biological Conservation
Abstract
From 1987 to 1991, tiger Panthera tigris corbetti presence was investigated in 25 national parks and 13 wildlife sanctuaries, comprising 49% and 58% of Thailand's protected land area in these respective categories. Tigers were present in only 58% of the surveyed areas. Where tigers were present, an arbitrary density of 1 tiger/100 km2 was modified according to the levels of threat to the tiger population, and used to estimate population size. Threats were defined as human-caused disturbances that threatened a tiger population's basic need of natural water-ways, large prey abundance, and vegetative cover. Using this approach, no more than an estimated 250 adult tigers are currently in Thailand. The healthiest remaining tiger populations are now in areas of forest complexes = 1500 km2 protected before 1982. All Thailand's tiger populations are in danger of further decline due to poor management and continued human encroachment within protected areas. If tigers are to persist in Thailand, areas where they are found need to be better managed and maintained as large, cohesive forest units. Within these units, human-caused disturbances must be minimized and areas of optimal tiger habitat must be fully protected so that they remain inviolate. © 1993.
Keywords
Indochinese tiger; population estimation; tiger; Thailand; Panthera tigris corbetti
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