Patterns of spatiotemporal change in large mammal distribution and abundance in the southern Western Ghats, India

摘要: Large mammals face high risks of anthropogenic extinction owing to their larger body mass and associated life history traits. Recent worldwide mammal declines have highlighted the conservation importance effective assessments trends in distribution abundance species. Yet reliable data depicting nature extent changes population parameters is sparse, primarily due logistical problems covering large areas difficulties obtaining information at spatial scales, particularly over time. We used key informant surveys generate detection histories for 18 species (body > 2 kg) two points time (present 30 years ago) Southern subregion Western Ghats global biodiversity hotspot. Multiple-season occupancy models were assess temporal occupancy, detectability vital rates colonization each Our results show significant carnivores, Asian elephant endemic ungulates primates. There a decline 16 species, which suggests abundance. These patterns change repeat our variation dynamics between three contiguous forest complexes human-dominated landscapes into southern has been fragmented. Extinction are highest landscapes. Declines several suggest presence debts, may soon be repaid with imminent range contractions subsequent extinctions unless immediate remedial measures taken. Detection/non-detection informants an modeling framework provide potential rapid status multiple across scales