Modeling the effect of top predators and habitat on the distribution of mesocarnivores in large-carnivore landscapes of India and central Europe

Global change exerts significant negative consequences on conditions of habitats for wildlife. Such habitat degradation adversely affects top-down control of top predators over mesocarnivores. Interactions between large carnivores and mesocarnivore species are rather well studied, but little is known regarding how habitat conditions modulate these interactions to generate occupancy patterns at the landscape scale. This information would not only advance understanding about carnivore ecology but also could inform regional-scale conservation and management strategies. Striped hyaenas (Hyaena hyaena) and golden jackals (Canis aureus) are mesocarnivores that have consistently declined in India. Meanwhile, the abundance and distribution of golden jackals in Europe have sharply increased. This species has recently colonized several regions of central Europe in the absence of superordinate species. At the same time large carnivore species in central Europe have recovered from extirpation through the early 1900s. These shifts have become a major concern for wildlife managers to manage or cope with this expanding population. The contrasting population dynamics of the scavenger community of mesocarnivores and population status of large carnivores between the two continents provide an opportunity to increase understanding about top-down control of top predators over mesocarnivores along with their conservation. In this study, we will first map potential landscapes for conserving large to medium-sized carnivores in India along with Austria and surrounding countries in central Europe. This map will be based on information derived from a structured literature review. We will then gather detections of focal carnivore species based on available databases and interviews with experts and stakeholders. Last, will use these data to fit a co-occurrence occupancy model for examining effects of interactions between carnivore species on their distribution while accounting for habitat variables. Findings from the study are expected to provide not only insights about carnivore ecology but also may lead to revisiting conservation policies that focus almost exclusively on top predators. In order to maintain functional ecosystems, improved understanding is needed regarding how changes in habitat modulate interactions between trophic levels in carnivore species. In particular, the results are expected to provide insights regarding effectiveness of conservation efforts and natural resource management to maintain mesocarnivores in India and central Europe. Further, the bilateral research will foster longterm collaboration between research teams in University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences and SACON. This new cooperation will benefit both labs and both nations by providing a foundation to implement novel research programs and facilitate future student exchange opportunities. Knowledge gained through this program will foster scientific innovation in India and Austria, which addresses mandates of national priority programs including India’s National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) and the European Union Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.