Prediction 3: Core areas of large carnivores vary within
and across species and habitats
Core areas of animal home ranges have been defined as specific areas
within the animal range which may be frequented by the animal for food
sources or as a refuge (Kaufmann, 1962; Ewer, 1968). Within a species,
although the individual home ranges may overlap, core areas within these
home ranges remain exclusive (Ewer, 1968). We hypothesized that core
areas would be significantly different within and across species; and
the level of human disturbance may influence their configuration
(number, area and perimeter).