Abstract
Conservation of wide-ranging species is a challenge owing to their
movement in an increasingly fragmented world. Long-distance dispersal
has significant implications for ecosystem functioning, and such
movement becomes challenging while navigating through a heterogeneous
and human-dominated landscape. Here, we describe one of the longest
dispersal journey by a sub-adult male tiger through GPS telemetry in
Central India. We analyzed movement metrics, directionality, and space
use during three behavioural stages of dispersal. We also used the
clustering method to identify resting and kill sites (n = 89). T1-C1
dispersed a straight-line distance of 315 km over 225 days, moving an
average 8.4 km/day and covering a cumulative displacement of ̵̴ 3000 km.
Movement during post-dispersal was higher (mean = 465.6 m/h) than those
during dispersal (mean = 376.6 m/h) and pre-dispersal (mean = 132.2
m/h), respectively. Moreover, movement during the night was
significantly faster than during the day in all three phases. Likewise,
during dispersal, the movement was faster (mean = 518.2 m/h) and more
directional (knight = 0.19) at night than day. The average size of
clusters was 1.68 ha and primarily away from human habitation (mean =
1875.6 m). The mean cluster duration (46.31 hr) was higher in the
non-forested area but was smaller in size than inside the forest
(p< 0.05). The individual crossed roads faster (mean= 1880.9
m/hr) than it travelled during other times. During the post-dispersal
phase, T1-C1 established its home range with an area of 319.48 sq. km.
(95% dBBMM). The dispersal event highlights the long-distance and
multiscale movement behaviour in a heterogeneous landscape. Moreover,
small forest patches play a key role in maintaining large carnivore
connectivity while dispersing through a human-dominated landscape. Our
study underlines how documenting the long-distance movement and
integrating it with modern technology can improve conservation
management decisions.