Indo-Chinese and Malayan tigers

[peter]

GUATE

Very informative posts. Many thanks on behalf of all.

As to the method used to measure the tigers. In his mails, Sunquist told us in what way the 'standard' method was applied in Nepal. Ullas Karanth, indirectly (in his book), also did regarding Nagarahole. Waveriders contacted Miquelle on Amur tigers and posted his answer.   

That leaves Dr. Simcharoen. You contacted her and got an answer. Would she object if you posted her answer?

In your post, you said you have some doubts on Miquelle's mails. You don't trust the source, to be precise. My advice is to contact Miquelle, Kerley or Goodrich yourself. Best way to solve all problems in the method department, as it will eliminate interpretations.    

We're also interested in the way the Russians apply the 'standard' method. 

As to measuring a big cat. I measured about 30 captive big cats. Some were measured both 'between pegs' and 'over curves'. When done, I asked those who had assisted me to apply both methods themselves. All volonteers got an instruction. Those assisting them were asked to keep silent. The only one talking was the one in charge. 

The first method ('between pegs') yielded very similar results. The second did not. The reason is the first method is clear in all departments, which is not true for the second. It depends on the way the method is applied. Those with experience have more ability than those who don't. In my experience, someone measuring a big cat 'over curves' three times will produce three quite different results.  

A century ago, there was a lengthy debate on big cats, measurements and methods. In order to solve the problem once and for all, Sterndale proposed to measure big cats 'between pegs' only. Most unfortunately, his advice was largely ignored. Today, biologists, for unknown reasons, measure big cats 'over curves'. Those interested in measurements have no other option but to ask a few questions, that is. Reply