Predicting the Distribution Pattern of Small Carnivores in Response to Environmental Factors in the Western Ghats

Small carnivores in the Western Ghats, particularly in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, exhibit distinct distribution patterns influenced by environmental factors such as distance to villages and precipitation. Research using maximum entropy modeling (MaxEnt) identified key predictors for six species, with 'distance to village' and seasonal precipitation being significant across most models. The study found that habitat heterogeneity, driven by an east-west climatic gradient, plays a crucial role in shaping the distribution of these carnivores. Predicted suitable habitats ranged from 28 km² to 63 km² for different species, highlighting the importance of modeling for targeted conservation planning. This approach offers valuable insights for prioritizing conservation efforts in southern India.

Kalle, R., Ramesh, T., Qureshi, Q., & Sankar, K. (2013). Predicting the Distribution Pattern of Small Carnivores in Response to Environmental Factors in the Western Ghats. PLoS ONE, 8(11), e79295. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0079295