Estimating asian elephant abundance: a comparative analysis of dung counts and genetic SECR in a known population of Kodagu, Karnataka, India
These results demonstrate that genetic SECR not only reduces estimation bias but also reveals evolutionary relevant insights into genetic diversity and population structure. While genetic methods require greater per-unit investment compared to dung counts, a hybrid strategy may be most practical: periodic genetic SECR surveys to calibrate and validate easier methods (like dung counts or camera traps) used more frequently. As technology advances, costs of fecal DNA analysis are likely to decrease further. This hybrid framework optimizes resource allocation while maintaining scientific rigor, particularly important for large-scale monitoring programs across diverse landscapes.
Authors
- Sanath Krishna Muliya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5908-0082)
- Vishnupriya Kolipakam (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0609-1321)
- Souritra Sharma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3343-5436)
- Lallianpuii Kawlni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8936-3937)
- Qamar Qureshi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3469-6993)
- Bhawana Pant (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0428-7606)
- Ujjwal Kumar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4215-8781)
- Harish Matta
- Samrat Mondol (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3034-9396)
- Ramesh Kumar Pandey (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7464-2252)
- Mayur V. Markad
Institutions
- Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (IN)
- Wildlife Institute of India (IN)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (IN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Ecology and Evolution
- Published
- 2025-10-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02439-y
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.72
Funders
- Ministry of Environment