Casual analysis and short-sighted inferences: A response to Majgaonkar et al. 2019

Abstract

The increased interface of humans and large carnivores in human-modified landscapes requires mechanisms to reduce conflict and allow co-existence. The recent article by Majgaonkar et al. examining land-sharing potential of the Western Ghats overlooks some important points in their analyses and inferences. Poorly designed occupancy survey with improper replicates has produced results that can have a misguided bearing on large-carnivore conservation and management in the region. Inaccurate results do not help in prioritization of conservation areas and sketchy conclusions create a perception that carnivore conservation is possible without addressing the pressing issues of development and land-use modifications. We urge future studies to rigorously evaluate their methodologies and ensure better practices for science-based conservation.