Implications of diet composition of Asiatic lions for their conservation

摘要: Livestock predation by Asiatic lions Panthera leo persica in and around Gir Protected Area (Gir PA) western India results conflict with people has important implications for the conservation of this species. A 5-year study was undertaken to document diet patterns based on direct observations radio-collared lions, opportunistically located carcasses scat analysis. Magnitude livestock assessed interviews resident pastoralists 20 settlements. Lions made one kill every 4 days primarily consisted large prey. Wild prey, mainly chital Axis axis, represented 80% lion's within PA Within protected area, though predominantly consumed wild prey proportion their availability, they were yet responsible majority loss communities. The domestic animals killed varied between seasons: significantly more ungulates during summer when concentrated waterholes. Domestic major outside area. Thus, despite high diet, still considerably depended livestock. Our defines focal areas lion–human suggests better husbandry practices.