Fauna: Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Hewani
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): Desember: Fauna : Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Hewani

Predator–Prey Interaction Strategies and Their Impacts on the Population Dynamics of the Dhole (Cuon alpinus) in National Park Conservation Areas

Maya. M. S. Puttileihalat (Universitas Pattimura)
C. Karel Pattinasarannyckarel (Universitas Pattimura)
Fanny Soselisa (Universitas Pattimura)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

The dhole (Cuon alpinus) plays an important ecological role as a predator capable of influencing prey populations and maintaining trophic balance in protected ecosystems. This study aimed to analyze predator–prey interaction patterns and evaluate their implications for dhole population dynamics in a national park conservation area. Wildlife monitoring was conducted using camera traps operated continuously for 12 months at strategic locations, including wildlife trails, water sources, and habitat corridors. Independent detections were used to identify dominant potential prey and calculate the Relative Abundance Index (RAI), while predator–prey population dynamics were evaluated using a differential-equation model based on the Lotka–Volterra framework. The results indicated that wild boar, muntjac, and sambar were the dominant potential prey, with temporal variations in prey abundance followed by corresponding changes in dhole activity. Population modeling demonstrated cyclical predator–prey dynamics, suggesting that prey availability may influence dhole population responses. These findings highlight the potential role of dholes in regulating herbivore populations and maintaining trophic stability. Conservation management should therefore integrate predator protection, prey availability, habitat connectivity, and long-term population monitoring to maintain ecosystem balance in national park conservation areas.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Fauna

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology

Description

ANIMAL SCIENCE Cluster Sub-Cluster 1 Animal Science 2 Socio-Economics of Animal Husbandry 3 Animal Feed and Nutrition 4 Livestock Product Technology 5 Livestock Development 6 Livestock Production 7 Livestock Cultivation 8 Animal Feed Production and Technology 9 Livestock Biotechnology 10 Veterinary ...