Diet composition of tiger ( <i>Panthera tigris tigris</i> ) and leopard ( <i>Panthera pardus fusca</i> ) from Bardia National Park: implications for conservation

This study reveals the diet of tigers and leopards in Bardia National Park (BNP), Nepal. A total of 70 tiger scats were genetically identified, resulting in a 77% accuracy rate, while leopard diets (N = 70) were assessed solely based on morphological characteristics. Eight prey species were identified from tiger scats, while 15 prey species were identified during the leopard diet analysis. In the tigers’ diet the highest biomass contribution was from chital (59.71%), followed by chauka (16.05%), sambar deer (7.67%), and wild boar (6.98%). Tigers were found to predate on goat and cattle, which constitute a biomass of approximately 2%, indicating the low level of human–tiger conflict in BNP. Chital (Axis axis) accounted for the highest biomass contribution at 25.50%, followed by wild boar at 15.72%, in leopards’ diet. The contributions of two primates, langur and macaque, were similar at 8.15% and 7.90%, respectively. Sheep, goat and even bird species also made substantial contributions with 7.82%, 8.02% and 8.19%, respectively. Based on our findings, we recommend further research to achieve ecological insights into tigers and leopards, including prey availability, niche overlap and niche partitioning. A detailed study on prey–predation dynamics should be carried out in the area.