Social networks of solitary carnivores: The case of endangered tigers and insights on their conservation

Abstract

Solitary carnivores are an ecologically important taxa and at a high risk of extinction worldwide. Interactions between conspecifics can influence fitness outcomes and may help these animals cope with environmental and anthropogenic disturbances. However, the structure and maintenance of these interactions in solitary carnivore species is underexplored. In this research, we leveraged existing camera trap data on tigers (Panthera tigris)—a globally endangered and solitary carnivore species—in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park to examine for the first time their social networks over 8 years (2008–2017). These networks assume that the co-occurrence at camera trap locations represents an association between conspecifics. We found that tiger networks were fickle, remaining stable for about 3 years before dissolving. We also found that males were more likely than females to form bridges between other tigers, and resident tigers were more central in the networks than nonresidents. In addition, interactions between two animals were more frequent if they were of the opposite sex or were both residents. These insights have implications on disease transmission, population dynamics, and human-wildlife conflict. Combined with camera trap monitoring programs, collecting data on the conspecific interactions of solitary carnivores can advance our knowledge of animal ecology and improve conservation planning.We used 8 years of camera trap data to construct social networks of endangered tigers in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park—a biodiversity hotspot. We found that tiger networks were fickle, males were more likely than females to form bridges between other tigers, and resident tigers were more central in the networks than nonresidents. These insights have implications on disease transmission, population dynamics, and human-wildlife conflict.