The entitled study was carried out in Bardia-Katarniyaghat corridor forest, Bardia, Nepal. The objectives of the study were (1) to examine the habitat wise distribution pattern and abundance of Tiger's prey species, (2) to determine the habitat preference of Tiger's prey species, and (3) to identify corridor forest conservation issues and recommend the prescription to secure prey base in the corridor. Study was accomplished through pellet count in transects. A total of 40 transects; 10 transect in each of four habitat type i.e. (grassland, Khair-Sisoo association forest, Sal dominant forest and Riverine forest) were taken. The length of each transect was 625m, distance between adjacent transect as well as parallel transect was maintained at 100m. A total of 1000 circular plots of 10 sq. m. laid 25 m apart were taken following Smith et al (1999). Species wise pellet groups in these circular plots were recorded. For identifying pellets, two experienced field guides were taken and compared with samples taken from Central Zoo, Nepal. Two hypotheses were formulated to verify the distribution pattern calculated from ratio of variance and mean. Hypothesis first was tested by applying chi square contingency test to determine whether there is significance difference or not in distribution pattern of Tiger prey base according to habitat type. Similarly hypothesis second was tested by applying chi square goodness of fit test to determine whether there is significance difference or not in distribution pattern of Tiger prey base according to groups of transects measured. Data were analyzed using MS Excel 2007. Arc GIS 9.1 and Arc view 3.3 were used to show transects taken in field and to show the map of study area.
A total of 339 pellet groups of Tiger's prey species were counted. Main prey species in the study area were spotted deer (Axis axis), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac), Hog deer (Axis porcinus), Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocomelus), Langur (Semnopithecus entellus), Wild boar (Sus scrofa) and Rabbit (Lepus nigricollis). The highest mean pellet group abundance was found in grassland with mean abundance 0.54 pellet group per plot followed by Khair-Sisoo association forest 0.396, Riverine forest 0.248 and Sal dominant forest 0.192 pellet groups per plot. The most preferred habitat of prey species was found to be grassland i.e. 38.35 % followed by 29.79%, 18.58% and 13.28% by Khair-Sisoo association forest, Riverine forest and Sal dominant forest respectively. Distribution pattern of prey in different habitat type was calculated and found to be of clumped type, which was verified by calculating variance and mean ratio (S2/a=23.75). Out of four habitat types; Khair-Sisoo association forest and grasslands were considered important habitats. From first hypothesis we rejected Ho, i.e. there is significant difference in distribution of prey base in different habitat type, like wise in second hypothesis we rejected Ho, i.e. there is significant difference in distribution of prey base in different group of transects measured. Prey and predator are at high risk and challenging the viability because they are threatened by encroachment, poaching, habitat fragmentation, habitat alteration and habitat loss. Regular monitoring of wildlife population and accounting of distribution and abundance may be helpful for determining their conservation status. Landscape level conservation plan and timely awareness programs are the demand of time for appropriate management action.
