During the COVID-19 quarantines in Nepal, local tigers started crossing more frequently. Reported by the University of Michigan.
Roads pose a major challenge to the conservation of endangered species. Carnivores are particularly susceptible to road effects, as they generally require large habitats, have low reproductive capacities, and low population densities.
Scientists from the University of Michigan decided to use quarantines as a natural experiment to study the impact of highways on wildlife in Nepal. To do this, they analyzed the movements of two tigers by equipping an adult male and an adult female with GPS collars. The male tiger was caught in Parsa National Park on February 14, 2021, and the female tiger was caught in Bardia National Park on March 26, 2021. Both parks are crossed by the East-West Highway, which is currently being expanded.
Quarantines were in effect in Nepal from 30 April to 1 September 2021. This led to a sharp reduction in the number of drivers, official and freight vehicles.
The study revealed clear differences in movement patterns between the two tigers. Within a month of the start of the quarantine, the male tiger’s habitat has more than tripled to reach 320 square kilometers. During quarantine, he crossed the highway much more often than before the quarantine period, and much more often at night than during the day. The impact of the highway on the woman turned out to be less, but it is easier for her to cross the road during isolation. Additionally, the female’s home range was at its maximum in the month before quarantine (April 2021) and remained so during the first month of quarantine.
The scientists believe that the differences in movement patterns between the two tigers likely reflect differences in environmental conditions as well as traffic patterns and regulations at the two locations. In any case, this study shows that making crossing easier can significantly help wildlife populations.
Formerly zoologists to create it is safe for coaches to cross the road.