Confirmation of Candidature - Candidate : Amir Maharjan

Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) are one of the most charismatic species, occupying at the top of ecological pyramid and serves as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. Tigers are categorized as "Endangered" species, their population and habitat have been drastically declining worldwide. To safeguard their survival, understanding their behavioural ecology through long-term studies plays a crucial role. Among the various behavioural factors, predator-prey interaction, habitat use pattern, and anthropogenic influences are of utmost importance for their conservation. 

Nepal has made commendable efforts in tiger conservation, resulting in increasing their population. With this achievement an array of challenges such as scarcity of their prey, human-tiger conflict, habitat destruction has also arisen. Therefore, a comprehensive study has been designed to compare and contrast the interactions between tigers and their preys, habitat utilization patterns, and the impact of human disturbances in the three distinct forest management regimes; national park, buffer zone and national forest. 

For the assessments, long-term camera trap data will be used to evaluate the spatio-temporal activity patterns, the relative abundance of tigers and their prey, and the levels of anthropogenic pressure across these areas. Additionally, the study will also investigate the habitat preferences of tigers in the different management regimes. The findings of the study will inform the development of effective management strategies to conserve tiger population, their habitats and address human-tiger conflict, while promoting sustainable land use practices that support tiger conservation. 

For more information, please email the Graduate Research School or phone 0746 31 1088.