Home range and habitat utilization of gaur (Bos gaurus) in transition zone between protected forest and human-dominated landscape, Eastern Thailand

Gaur (Bos gaurus), a vulnerable species, exhibits distinct home range and habitat utilization patterns in the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. This study reveals that gaurs, while primarily dwelling within protected areas like Khao Phaeng Ma Non-hunting Area (KPM-NHA), frequently move between protected forests and surrounding agricultural landscapes. Male gaurs have an average home range of 9.33 km², traveling approximately 6.38 km/day, whereas females cover a smaller range (4.09 km²) with daily movements of about 6.19 km. Gaurs show a preference for habitats with lower canopy density, including dry evergreen forests, grasslands, field crops, rangelands, urban areas, and water bodies. These findings provide critical data for mitigating human-gaur conflicts and enhancing conservation strategies, particularly in managing grasslands within protected areas. The research utilized GPS-collar data collected from 11 adult gaurs over a two-year period, employing autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDE) and step-selection functions (SSFs) to analyze their spatial ecology.

Prayoon, U., Suksavate, W., Chaiyes, A., Paansri, P., Siriaroonrat, B., Utara, Y., Tipkantha, W., Baicharoen, S., Jairak, W., Kaewkhunjob, E., Chaisonkhram, C., Maikaew, U., Ieamsaard, G., Sripiboon, S., Winitpornsawan, S., Thunhikorn, S., Wanna, N., Sriracha, S., Sornsa, T., et al. (2024). Home range and habitat utilization of gaur (Bos gaurus) in transition zone between protected forest and human-dominated landscape, Eastern Thailand. Global Ecology and Conservation, 50, e02811. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e02811