Prey Selection and Food Habits of Sympatric Carnivores

Predators have evolved strategies to maximize nutrient intake within different kinds of habitats by selecting different prey species. Prey selection determines spacing patterns and structure of social patterns between predators. Prey selection is critical in understanding life-history strategies. A total of 50 scat samples were collected from five ranges in the Srivilliputtur Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary. Among the collected 50 scat samples in Srivilliputtur Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary. Leopard (n=36) accounted for more scat samples followed by Wild Dog (n=5), Tiger (n=4) and Jungle cat (n=3). A total of 15 prey species was identified in the 50 carnivore scat samples. Among the 15 prey species spotted deer was an encounter in more number of scat samples as a preferred prey species by carnivores in Srivilliputtur Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary followed by Mouse deer (n=9), Black Napped Hare (n=5) and Wild Boar and Sambar Deer (n=5) respectively. On the other hand Lion tail macaque, Nigiri Thar, Slender Loris species (n=1) are respectively less preferable by carnivores in Srivilliputtur Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary.