Area sharing among tigers in re-introduced population of Sariska tiger reserve demonstrating space crunch in Human dominated landscape

We examined the home range dynamics, dispersal patterns, and space-sharing behaviour of reintroduced tigers and their progenies in different generations in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) from 2018 to 2022. During the study period, the tiger population increased from four males and eight females to seven males, 11 females, and three sub-adult females. Mean home ranges were 34 ± 2 km² (SE) for female tigers (n=11) and 95 ± 6 km² for male tigers (n=10), while core activity areas (50% KDE) averaged 6 ± 1 km² for females and 23 ± 3 km² for males. Female home ranges showed a decreasing trend due to natal dispersal by sub-adults, whereas male home ranges expanded due to territorial consolidation. Instances of territorial overlap, including fatal conflicts, highlighted the competitive pressures in this human dominated landscape. To accommodate the growing tiger population and mitigate human-tiger conflicts, we recommend enhanced monitoring, relocation of villages to create inviolate spaces, and strengthening the protection regime.