Vol. 64, 2025
Trophic Cascades and Habitat
Suitability in Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve: Impacts of Prey Depletion
and Climate Change on Predator-Prey Dynamics
Krishnendu
Basak1,*, Chiranjib Chaudhuri2,*, M. Suraj1,
and Moiz Ahmed1
doi:-
1Department
of Wildlife Conservation, Nova Nature Welfare Society, H. No. 36/337,
Choti Masjid, Byron Bazar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492001, India.
*Correspondence: E-mail: bastiger08@gmail.com (Basak). Tel. +91
9836971670
E-mail: mat.suraj@gmail.com (Suraj); novanature2004@gmail.com (Ahmed)
2AeroLine International. 181 Littleton Road, Unit 245,
Chelmsford, Massachusetts, United States 01824. *Correspondence:
E-mail: chiranjib@aerolineinternational.com (Chaudhuri)
(Received 11 August 2024 /
Accepted 27 January 2025 / Published -- 2025)
Communicated by Teng-Chiu Lin
This
study investigates the trophic cascades and habitat suitability in
Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR), highlighting the roles of apex
predators, subordinate predators, and prey species in maintaining
ecosystem balance. Using the Trophic Species Distribution Model
(Trophic SDM), we explored prey-predator interactions and habitat
suitability, revealing that tigers respond to prey depletion by
increasingly relying on cattle, while leopards adapt by preying on
smaller species. Additionally, climate change projections for 2021–2040
and 2081–2100 under CMIP6 scenarios SSP245 and SSP585 indicate
significant regional habitat shifts, necessitating adaptive management
strategies. Kulhadighat is projected to face habitat contraction, while
Sitanadi may experience habitat expansion. This study emphasizes the
need for effective conservation efforts such as habitat restoration,
prey augmentation and predator recovery are the most important steps
needed to maintain the purpose of a Tiger reserve and conservation
potential of Chhattisgarh-Odisha Tiger Conservation Unit (TCU). To
achieve these dynamics, focusing on community participation,
anti-poaching measures, and scientific recommendations are the most
crucial components to focus on. This comprehensive analysis underscores
the critical role of targeted conservation activities in prey-depleted
landscapes to ensure the long-term survival of tigers and the overall
health of forest ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and mitigating
human-wildlife conflicts in USTR..
Key words: Climate impact, Prey-predator
interaction, Species distribution modeling, Trophic interaction,
TrophicSDM
Citation: Basak K, Chaudhuri C, Suraj M,
Ahmed M. year. Trophic cascades and habitat suitability in Udanti
Sitanadi Tiger Reserve: impacts of prey depletion and climate change on
predator-prey dynamics. Zool stud 64:07.

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