Wild Felid Diversity, Space Use and Activity Patterns in the Eastern Himalaya, India

Species with similar resource requirements cannot coexist for long. To facilitate co-existence, carnivores adapt different strategies to partition the available resources in space and time. In high-altitude ecosystems limited operation becomes complex. We assessed species diversity spatio-temporal partitioning among felid inhabiting intricate habitats of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR), Eastern Himalaya. used systematic camera trap surveys along abundance overlap indices generate information on their use activity patterns. recorded six felids belonging five genera, including four global conservation importance. The differential by was observed respect habitat types determined sharp altitudinal gradients varied levels spatial overlap. Maximum Asiatic golden cat Catopuma temminckii, jungle Felis chaus clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa. had distinct profiles from one other, particularly between Prionailurus bengalensis. Pianka’s index also provided weak evidence temporal species. overall results indicate that heterogeneity facilitates primary separation at scale, although are segregated temporally. Golden most adaptive area, depicting a peculiar pattern segregation other suspect either intense competition or dietary some species, propose further investigation diet patterns prey. study presents an early template carnivore community organization resource-scarce environments, thus, offering huge ecological significance.