Habitat Research Methods Give a New Peek at Tiger Life

Summery: In order to protect endangered species it is crucial for people to understand the long-term outcomes of conservation. Neil Carter followed the work of his adviser, Jack Liu,  in order to protect the endangered tigers is Chitwan National Park in Nepal. The Challenge was being able to protect the tigers and the biodiversity of the area because the human inhabitants needed the forest for fuel, wood, and other building materials. In 1966 Nepal added a buffer zone to the park. It was a area of land surrounding the park to improve the areas ecosystems and the humans livelihood. the buffer zone allowed people to not only use the forests themselves but they had a say in the management of the land. The tigers often go out side the protected land because they do not understand the boundaries of the protected area.  In order to keep everyone safe, Carter set up 76 infrared cameras around the park to see where the tigers spent the most time. By doing this he discovered that he now has insight to where to keep people away from the tigers and he was able to determine that the Chitwan National Park was still a desirable place for the tigers.

Relevance: By using the same methods as Carter other people can help endangered species. He was able to share a method of gaining information by the cameras. It is an easy way to take advantage of the tools and methods being used around the globe. Satellite images can show how and ecosystem has changed over time resulting in the shift of animals. It easily shows if some policies are working and if some are not, like in China's panda habitat. Images showed that the high-profile sanctuary was being destroyed faster than the land surrounding it that was not a protected habitat.  Noticing this was a problem the policies where realigned and the pandas were able to be properly protected.

url: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131018132157.htm
published by Michigan state university on October 18th, 2013