Anti-predator behaviour of kudu and impala in response to mimicked African wild dog presence: do age and sex matter?

Behaviour ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 152 (9) ◽  
pp. 1209-1228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther van der Meer ◽  
Hervé Fritz ◽  
Olivier Pays
Keyword(s):  
Predation Risk ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Vigilance Behaviour ◽  
African Wild Dog ◽  
African Wild Dogs ◽  
Tragelaphus Strepsiceros ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Wild Dogs ◽  
Aepyceros Melampus

Predators not only prey upon certain prey species, but also on certain age–sex classes within species. Predation risk and an individual’s response to this risk might therefore vary with an individual’s characteristics. We examined the proportion of time different age–sex classes of kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and impala (Aepyceros melampus) spent high quality vigilant (costly vigilance that detracts from all other activities) in response to mimicked predation risk by African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). For both species predation risk was the main factor determining the investment in high quality vigilance behaviour. Age–sex class-specific responses were not related to age–sex class specific lethality risk presented by African wild dogs. For impala, regardless of predation risk, age seemed to have some effect on the investment in high quality vigilance with sub-adult impala spending more time high quality vigilant than adult impala, which is possibly why African wild dogs predominantly preyed upon adult impala.

scholarly journals Updated ranges of the Vulnerable cheetah and Endangered African wild dog in Angola

Oryx ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 851-853
Author(s):  
Pedro Monterroso ◽  
Filipe Rocha ◽  
Stefan van Wyk ◽  
Telmo António ◽  
Milcíades Chicomo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
Species Status ◽  
Acinonyx Jubatus ◽  
Civil Unrest ◽  
Distribution Ranges ◽  
African Wild Dog ◽  
African Wild Dogs ◽  
The Status ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Wild Dogs

AbstractThe civil unrest that ravaged Angola for nearly 30 years took a heavy toll on the country's wildlife, and led to a lengthy absence of reliable information for many threatened species, including the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus and African wild dog Lycaon pictus. Using camera trapping we assessed the status of these two species in two areas of southern Angola, and complemented our findings by reviewing recent survey reports and observations to provide an update on the species' status. We found unequivocal evidence that African wild dogs are resident and reproducing in Bicuar National Park, where cheetahs appear to be absent. Conversely, cheetahs may be resident in western Cuando Cubango province, where African wild dogs may only be transient. Based on these and other recent records in Angola, we recommend a revision of these species' distribution ranges and note the need for monitoring of these remnant populations and for appropriate attention to any threats.

scholarly journals Abundance, distribution and conservation threats of African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) in the Loliondo Game Controlled Area, Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
EMMANUEL MASENGA ◽  
SHOMBE N. HASSAN ◽  
KASHAIGILI JAPHET
Keyword(s):  
Abundance Distribution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
African Wild Dog ◽  
African Wild Dogs ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Conservation Threats ◽  
Wild Dogs

Abstract. Masenga E, Hasan SN, Japhet K. 2018. Abundance, distribution, and conservation threats of African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) in the Loliondo Game Controlled Area, Tanzania. Asian J For 2: 31-41. Assessment of abundance, distribution, and conservation threats to African wild dogs was conducted in Loliondo Game Controlled Area (LGCA), northern Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused on determining population size and structure, spatial distribution, attitudes of local people towards wild dogs and wild dog conservation and threats impacting the species. Semi-structured interviews, diurnal random searches, internal and external examinations of wild dogs carcasses examined, and night transect surveys were employed. Eight packs with a total of 132 recognized individuals at an average pack size of 16.50 ± SD 7.50 individuals were recorded. Pack sizes 3 individuals were reported to be sighted mostly and of all respondents (n= 210), only 26% were able to recognize wild dog sexes. The density of both known and unknown wild dogs was 0.19 animals/km2, higher compared to other carnivores. In terms of distribution, most of the packs were concentrated in the northern part as compared to the central and southern parts of LGCA. The species was observed to occur most in woodland type of vegetation. Interestingly, 55.30% of respondents showed a positive attitude towards wild dogs and wild dog conservation despite that 52.90% of respondents dismissed lack of any conservation action or strategy in place towards conserving the species. However, poisoning and Canine Distemper Virus were identified as the main threats. Therefore, conserving African wild dogs in LGCA requires mult-approach conservation efforts (i.e. awareness rising to community, fitting radio telemetry to the dogs and threats management interventions) due to nature of the species.

scholarly journals A Historical Perspective of the Maasai - African Wild Dog Conflict in the Serengeti Ecosystem

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D Lyamuya ◽  
Emmanuel H Masenga ◽  
Robert D Fyumagwa ◽  
Machoke N Mwita ◽  
Craig R Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Historical Perspective ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
Serengeti Ecosystem ◽  
African Wild Dog ◽  
Before And After ◽  
African Wild Dogs ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Wild Dogs ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

<p class="1Body">This study discusses the conflict between Maasai pastoralists and African wild dogs (<em>Lycaon pictus) </em>over livestock before and after the Maasai were evicted from the Serengeti National Park (SNP) in 1959. We surveyed 181 randomly selected households from six villages in the eastern Serengeti ecosystem. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to acquire the required information from the respondents. We found that males had a greater awareness of local wild dog presence and livestock-derived conflict than females, and reported more frequently to have chased and killed wild dogs that attacked their livestock. Moreover, the conflict existed before 1959, decreased during the 1990s, but increased from 2000 onwards. This increase is attributed to the growth in human, livestock and wild dog populations in the area. This study recommends that to foster their coexistence, the continued escalation in livestock numbers needs to cease while simultaneously protecting the region’s wild prey populations.</p>

scholarly journals Dangerous game: preferential predation on baboons by African wild dogs in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Behaviour ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 156 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-58
Author(s):  
Esther van der Meer ◽  
Nick Lyon ◽  
Thomas Mutonhori ◽  
Roseline Mandisodza-Chikerema ◽  
Peter Blinston
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
African Wild Dog ◽  
African Wild Dogs ◽  
Serious Injury ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Wild Dogs

Abstract When selecting prey, carnivores optimise energy gained when consuming prey against energy spent when pursuing and subduing prey. Additionally, predators seem to preferentially predate on prey which presents a low risk of injury. When defending itself against predators, baboons (Papio spp.) can inflict serious injury and cause mortality. Although part of Africa’s large carnivores’ diet, predation on baboons is usually avoided. We investigated prey selection patterns of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. Based on direct and indirect observations and analyses of faecal samples, we show that baboons form a substantial part of the African wild dog diet and were more frequently predated on than would be expected based on availability. Predation on baboons did not vary over baboon sex or age classes but was affected by seasonality. This is the first study to describe a preference for predation on this unusual prey species.

scholarly journals Ecological trap in the buffer zone of a protected area: effects of indirect anthropogenic mortality on the African wild dog Lycaon pictus

Oryx ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther van der Meer ◽  
Hervé Fritz ◽  
Peter Blinston ◽  
Gregory S.A. Rasmussen
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Buffer Zone ◽  
Ecological Trap ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
African Wild Dog ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
African Wild Dogs ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Hwange National Park ◽  
Wild Dogs

AbstractBecause of the large home range requirements of wide-ranging carnivores, protected areas are often too small to maintain large populations. Consequently these carnivores regularly move outside protected areas, where they are likely to be exposed to anthropogenic mortality. We used data from 15 packs of radio-collared African wild dogs Lycaon pictus to examine the level of anthropogenic mortality African wild dogs experience around Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, and tried to determine whether the buffer zone outside the Park acts as an ‘ecological trap’. Over time, study packs moved their territories closer to or beyond the Park border. With the movement of territories into the buffer zone outside the Park, African wild dogs experienced an increasing level of anthropogenic mortality. Although larger litters were born outside the Park, mortality exceeded natality. Densities of the African wild dog in the study area were low and territories for given pack sizes were smaller outside the Park. Hence, the movement of packs outside the Park does not appear to be density related and the buffer zone is therefore unlikely to function as a classic sink. Favourable ecological conditions indicate that the buffer zone outside the Park is likely to serve as an ecological trap, with fitness-enhancing factors attracting African wild dogs outside the Park, where they are incapable of perceiving the higher mortality risk associated with mostly indirect anthropogenic causes. As far as we know this is one of the first studies describing an ecological trap for mammals.

scholarly journals Assessing the risks of intervention: immobilization, radio-collaring and vaccination of African wild dogs

Oryx ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 234-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosie Woodroffe
Keyword(s):  
Rabies Virus ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
Full Data ◽  
Serengeti Ecosystem ◽  
African Wild Dogs ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Wild Dogs ◽  
Rabies Vaccination ◽  
Future Management

AbstractControversy has surrounded the role of intervention in studies of African wild dogs Lycaon pictus. Following the death or disappearance of all wild dogs under study in the Serengeti ecosystem, it was suggested that immobilization, radio-collaring or administration of rabies vaccines might have caused high mortality by compromising wild dogs′ immune response to rabies virus. Planning future management and research on wild dogs and other species demands an assessment of the risks associated with such intervention. This paper critically reviews the available evidence and concludes that it is extremely unlikely that intervention contributed to the extinction of wild dogs in the Serengeti ecosystem. A more likely scenario is that vaccination failed to protect wild dogs exposed to rabies virus. Radio-collaring is an important component of wild dog research; hence, the benefits of immobilization appear to outweigh the risks, as long as (i) research is orientated towards wild dog conservation, (ii) radiocollaring is followed up by efficient monitoring, (iii) the number of animals immobilized is kept to the minimum necessary to maintain scientific rigour, and (iv) full data on disease and genetics are collected from all immobilized animals. By contrast, rabies vaccination currently seems to confer few benefits, at least when a single dose of vaccine is given. Further research, on captive animals, is in progress to establish more effective protocols, and to assess the role that vaccination might play in future management of wild dog populations.

The Plio-Pleistocene ancestor of wild dogs, Lycaon sekowei n. sp.

2010 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Hartstone-Rose ◽  
Lars Werdelin ◽  
Darryl J. De Ruiter ◽  
Lee R. Berger ◽  
Steven E. Churchill
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Fossil Record ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
New Taxon ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
Dietary Specialization ◽  
African Wild Dogs ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Wild Dogs

African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) occupy an ecological niche characterized by hypercarnivory and cursorial hunting. Previous interpretations drawn from a limited, mostly Eurasian fossil record suggest that the evolutionary shift to cursorial hunting preceded the emergence of hypercarnivory in the Lycaon lineage. Here we describe 1.9—1.0 ma fossils from two South African sites representing a putative ancestor of the wild dog. the holotype is a nearly complete maxilla from Coopers Cave, and another specimen tentatively assigned to the new taxon, from Gladysvale, is the most nearly complete mammalian skeleton ever described from the Sterkfontein Valley, Gauteng, South Africa. the canid represented by these fossils is larger and more robust than are any of the other fossil or extant sub-Saharan canids. Unlike other purported L. pictus ancestors, it has distinct accessory cusps on its premolars and anterior accessory cuspids on its lower premolars—a trait unique to Lycaon among living canids. However, another hallmark autapomorphy of L. pictus, the tetradactyl manus, is not found in the new species; the Gladysvale skeleton includes a large first metacarpal. Thus, the anatomy of this new early member of the Lycaon branch suggests that, contrary to previous hypotheses, dietary specialization appears to have preceded cursorial hunting in the evolution of the Lycaon lineage. We assign these specimens to the taxon Lycaon sekowei n. sp.

Managing the ranging behaviour of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) using translocated scent marks

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig R. Jackson ◽  
J. Weldon McNutt ◽  
Peter J. Apps
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Scent Mark ◽  
Scent Marks ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
Ranging Behaviour ◽  
African Wild Dogs ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Wild Dogs ◽  
Free Ranging

Context Conflict between large carnivores and livestock outside the boundaries of wildlife areas frequently results in losses to both livestock and predator populations. The endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus Temminck, 1820) is wide ranging and unrestricted by conventional fences, thereby posing a major challenge to conservation managers. Wild dogs are territorial and communicate residence using scent marks. Simulating the presence of other wild dogs using translocated foreign scent marks may therefore represent a means to manage wild dog ranging behaviour. Aims To investigate the effectiveness of using targeted scent-mark deployments to signal a wild dog pack to return to their frequented range within the safety of a protected area. Methods We report on the ranging behaviour of a wild dog pack reintroduced into a wildlife area in Botswana with no recent history of resident wild dogs. We describe daily movements by the free-ranging introduced pack and compare these to moves following targeted deployment of scent marks when the wild dog pack had ranged close to or outside the boundaries of the protected area. Key results Targeted foreign scent-mark exposure resulted in the pack moving closer to the geometric centre of its range. The mean distance travelled the day after exposure was significantly greater than the distance travelled the previous day and the mean daily distance moved during the study period. Conclusions Targeted exposure to foreign scent marks proved to be a viable alternative to recapturing dogs that had ranged beyond the boundaries of the wildlife area. Implications This novel approach to managing free-ranging carnivores utilises biologically relevant signals and holds potential not only for the conservation of African wild dogs, but also for other territorial species.

scholarly journals Natural mortality amoung four common ungulate species on Letaba Ranch, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Koedoe ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H.P. Cronje ◽  
B.K. Reilly ◽  
I.D. Macfadyen
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Panthera Pardus ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
Tragelaphus Strepsiceros ◽  
Connochaetes Taurinus ◽  
Wild Dogs ◽  
Respective Species ◽  
Aepyceros Melampus

Five years of mortality data of impala Aepyceros melampus, blue wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus, buffalo Syncerus caffer and kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros have been used to describe the minimum mortality profiles of the respective species in an open savanna system with the full compliment of predators. Predation is the principle cause of natural mortalities on the study site, Letaba Ranch, which is adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The principle cause of impala mortality are leopards Panthera pardus and wild dogs Lycaon pictus. Lion Panthera leo were major contributors to the mortality of wildebeest and buffalo. Anthrax Bacillus anthracis was the main cause of kudu mortality.

scholarly journals Conserving the African wild dog Lycaon pictus. I. Diagnosing and treating causes of decline

Oryx ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosie Woodroffe ◽  
Joshua R. Ginsberg
Keyword(s):  
Edge Effects ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Domestic Dogs ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
African Wild Dog ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Wild Dogs

AbstractThe African wild dog Lycaon pictus has declined dramatically over the past 30 years. Formerly distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, today c. 5000 wild dogs remain in total, mostly in southern and eastern Africa. Wild dogs' decline reflects the expansion of human populations and the associated fragmentation of habitat available to wildlife. Because wild dogs live at very low densities, even ‘fragments’ covering thousands of square kilometres may not support viable populations. Furthermore, packs often range beyond the borders of reserves, so even nominally protected populations are often subject to persecution, road accidents, snaring and disease contracted from domestic dogs. Such edge effects mean that reserves smaller than c. 10,000 sq km will provide only incomplete protection. The highest priority for wild dog conservation, therefore, is to maintain and promote the contiguity of areas available to wildlife. Establishing cross-border parks and buffer zones, and encouraging game ranching on reserve borders, will all be beneficial. In smaller areas, protecting wild dogs requires that edge effects be mitigated by: (i) working with local farmers to limit persecution; (ii) controlling snaring; (iii) routing roads carrying high-speed traffic away from wildlife areas; and (iv) minimizing contact between wildlife and domestic dogs. Most of these measures will also benefit other wildlife.

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