PREY SELECTION BY TIGERS PANTHERA TIGRIS (LINNAEUS 1758) IN THE SUNDARBANS EAST WILDLIFE SANCTUARY OF BANGLADESH

摘要

This study was conducted to determine prey selection by Tigers Panthera tigris in lie Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary of Bangladesh. A total of 145 scats were analysed and 78 kills were studied. The frequency of occurrence of different prey species in seats and kills was significantly different. On an average, the Spotted Deer Axis axis was the most frequent prey in scats and kills (78%). Most Spotted Deer kills were adult animals and were in good condition before they were killed. The frequency of occurrence ill scats was converted to the relative number of kills, which showed that the Spotted Deer was still the most frequent prey (29.9%). Other than the Spotted Deer, tigers also preyed on Wild Boar Sus scrofa. Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta, and Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus. Soil and sungrass blades were found in scats as non-food items. Scats with soil were more available in winter than ill summer. In general, the trend of prey selection appeared to follow prey size and abundance, but Wild Boar and Lesser Adjutant were two most high-ranking prey species, because their selectivity was higher in comparison to their abundance.