Population distribution and conservation of the four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis) in the tropical forest of Southern India

Abstract

Population density, distribution patterns and conservation problems of the four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis) were assessed in the Mudumalai Wild Life Sanctuary, Southern India. The antelopes were found to be restricted to dry deciduous and dry thorn forests in the northern and eastern areas of the sanctuary in an area of approximately 79 km 2 . The ecological density of the antelope was 0.88 individual/km 2 and the crude density was ~0.22 individual/km 2 . Within the dry deciduous forest, the antelopes were further restricted to flat short grass patches and hilly areas with open canopy patches of tall grass. The antelopes were relatively more abundant in the dry deciduous short grass habitat than in the dry deciduous tall grass and dry thorn forests. They also seemed to have higher preference for hill slopes with semi-open canopy (>70%). Antelopes and evidence of their presence have not been seen in recent years in some eastern areas of the sanctuary where antelopes were seen until 1990. We attribute the range decline to the overgrazing by cattle and the resultant weed invasion in the recent years.