Lycaon Pictus Research Articles

Within‐ and between‐group dynamics in an obligate cooperative breeder

Cooperative behaviour can have profound effects on demography. In many cooperative species, components of fitness (e.g. survival, reproductive success) are diminished in smaller social groups. These effects (termed group-level component Allee effects) may lead smaller groups to grow relatively slowly or fail to persist (termed group-level demographic Allee effects). If these group-level effects were to propagate to the population level, small populations would grow slowly or decline to extinction (termed population-level demographic Allee effects). However, empirical studies have revealed little evidence of such population-level effects. Theoretical studies suggest that dispersal behaviour could either cause or prevent the propagation of group-level Allee effects to the population level. We therefore characterized within- and between-pack dynamics in a population of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) to test these contrasting model predictions. Larger wild dog packs produced more pups, and their members experienced higher survival than those in smaller packs. Nevertheless, larger packs grew more slowly than smaller packs, because natal adults dispersed away from them. Most packs either died out in whole-pack death events or broke up when their founders died, irrespective of pack size. Overall, packs showed negative density dependence rather than group-level demographic Allee effects. Larger packs produced more, but not larger, dispersal groups and hence generated more, but not larger, new packs. Larger packs thus contributed more than smaller packs to the number of packs in the population, but their large size did not propagate to their daughter packs. This pattern helps to explain the absence of population-level Allee effects in this species. Dispersal behaviour, itself driven by natural selection on individual reproductive strategies, played a pivotal role in population dynamics, leading to the formation of new packs and limiting the size of established packs. Understanding dispersal processes is likely to be important to understanding the population dynamics of other cooperatively breeding species.

Variable Barrier Permeability for a Pack of African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus) Reintroduced to Eastern Botswana

Variable Barrier Permeability for a Pack of African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus) Reintroduced to Eastern Botswana

The host-specificity of Theileria sp. (sable) and Theileria sp. (sable-like) in African Bovidae and detection of novel Theileria in antelope and giraffe.

Tick-borne diseases caused by Theileria are of economic importance in domestic and wildlife ruminants. The majority of Theileria infects a limited number of host species, supporting the concept of host specificity. However, some Theileria seem to be generalists challenging the host specificity paradigm, such as Theileria sp. (sable) reported from various vertebrate hosts, including African buffalo, cattle, dogs and different antelope species. We tested the hypothesis that T. sp. (sable) uses Bovidae as hosts in general using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay specific for T. sp. (sable) and a closely related genotype: T. sp. (sable-like). Various antelope species from the Tragelaphini (black wildebeest, blesbuck, blue wildebeest, gemsbuck, sable and waterbuck) tested positive for either T. sp. (sable) or T. sp. (sable-like). However, no African buffalo (n = 238) or cattle (n = 428) sampled in the current study tested positive, suggesting that these latter species are not carrier hosts. The results were confirmed using next-generation sequencing which also indicated at least 13 new genotypes or species found in various antelope and giraffes. Genotypes were found in single host species or in evolutionarily related hosts, suggesting that host specificity in Theileria may be a lineage specific phenomenon likely associated with tick-host-parasite co-evolution.

Preliminary evaluation of prevalence of hip and elbow dysplasia in Boerboel dogs

Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are developmental diseases that affect large breed of dogs disproportionately. Despite the large size of Boerboel dogs, there are no breed prevalence for HD and ED in Nigeria. This study provides preliminary information about HD and ED prevalence in Boerboels. Twenty Boerboels of both sexes were evaluated. Ventrodorsal radiographs of the hip joint and flexed lateral radiographs of elbow joint were made from each dog, using digital technology. Hip grading was done using the Federation Cynologique Internationale system (World Canine Organization), assigning grades ranging from A - E. Elbow radiographs were graded based on the International Elbow Working Group criteria, and scores ranging from 0-3 were assigned. Prevalence of HD and ED were expressed as percentages. Age and sex difference were compared using a chi square test. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05. Mean age of the dogs at the time of radiography was 2.4 ± 0.4 years. Seven (35%) Boerboels had normal hips, while thirteen (65%) had HD. Fifteen (75%) Boerboels had normal elbows, while five (25%) had ED. Five (25%) Boerboels with HD were males, while 8 (40%) HD diagnoses were in females. Two (10%) Boerboels with ED were male, while three (15%) were female. There was no significant (p ˃ 0.05) association between the sex and age of the dogs and distribution of HD and ED, or between sex and concurrent presence of HD and ED in Boerboels. In conclusion, HD prevalence in Boerboels (65%) is higher than that of ED. Further research on hip and elbow disease of African large dogs is indicated. Keywords : Boerboel, Dogs, Dysplasia, Elbow, Hip, Prevalence, Radiography

Spatial partitioning by a subordinate carnivore is mediated by conspecific overlap.

There are several hypotheses that could explain territory size in mammals, including the resource dispersion hypothesis (RDH), the intruder pressure hypothesis (IPH), and the intraguild predation hypothesis (IGPH). In this study, we tested predictions of these three hypotheses regarding territories of 19 packs of endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) over 2years in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. If territory size was supported by the RDH, then we would observe (1) wild dog territories would be larger when resource patches were more dispersed, (2) pack sizes would be larger when resource patches were rich, and (3) pack size would not affect territory size. If supported by the IPH, then we would observe (4) larger territories would experience less intrusions, and (5) there would be an increase in territory overlap in areas of low resource dispersion. Finally, if supported by the IGPH, we would observe (6) territories would be larger in areas of higher lion (Panthera leo) density, as evidence of a spatial avoidance strategy. We found that the IGPH was fully supported (6), the IPH half supported (5), and the RDH partially supported (1 and 3), where we found spatial partitioning of wild dogs with lions, potentially mediated by resources and territory overlap with conspecifics. Ultimately, our results show that subordinate carnivores must balance a trade-off between dominant interspecific competitors and conspecifics to successfully coexist in areas with dominant carnivores.

Dispersal behaviour of African wild dogs in Kenya

AbstractDispersal behaviour plays a key role in social organisation, demography and population genetics. We describe dispersal behaviour in a population of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Kenya. Almost all individuals, of both sexes, left their natal packs, with 45 of 46 reproductively active “alpha” individuals acquiring their status through dispersal. Dispersal age, group size and distance did not differ between males and females. However, only females embarked on secondary dispersal, probably reflecting stronger reproductive competition among females than males. When dispersing, GPS‐collared wild dogs travelled further than when resident, both in daylight and by night, following routes an order of magnitude longer than the straight‐line distance covered. Dispersers experienced a daily mortality risk three times that experienced by adults in resident packs. The detailed movement data provided by GPS‐collars helped to reconcile differences between dispersal patterns reported previously from other wild dog populations. However, the dispersal patterns observed at this and other sites contrast with those assumed in published demographic models for this endangered species. Given the central role of dispersal in demography, models of wild dog population dynamics need to be updated to account for improved understanding of dispersal processes.

Immediate and persistent efficacy of sarolaner (Simparica\u2122) against Haemaphysalis elliptica on dogs

BackgroundThe southern African yellow dog tick, Haemaphysalis elliptica, occurs in eastern and southern Africa and adults infest domestic and wild carnivores. This tick species is also a vector of the highly virulent Babesia rossi pathogen, the causative agent of canine babesiosis in sub-Saharan Africa. Sustained high levels of efficacy of a parasiticide are not only important in protecting dogs against the direct effects of tick infestation, but also in reducing the risk of tick-borne diseases. Sarolaner (Simparica™ chewable tablets) has been reported to be effective against the major tick species infesting dogs in Europe and the USA, including representatives from the genera Amblyomma, Ixodes, Rhipicephalus and Dermacentor. Until now no efficacy evaluations have been reported against species of the genus Haemaphysalis. The objective of the study was to confirm the efficacy of a single 2 mg sarolaner/kg oral dose of Simparica™ against induced infestations with H. (R.) elliptica, an important parasite of dogs in southern Africa.MethodsThis blinded, randomised, single centre, placebo controlled efficacy study followed a parallel group design and was conducted on two groups consisting of eight purpose-bred dogs each. Animals were treated orally, once on Day 0, with either a placebo compound (Group 1) or Simparica™ (Group 2). Simparica™ was administered orally at a dose rate of 2 mg sarolaner/kg body weight. The dogs were infested with ticks on Days − 7, − 2, 5, 12, 19, 26 and 33, with removal counts conducted on Days − 5, 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35.ResultsA single oral administration of Simparica™ (sarolaner) at a minimum dose of 2 mg/kg resulted in a 100% efficacy against existing infestations of H. (R.) elliptica on dogs and a 100% reduction in live ticks following weekly re-infestations for 35 days. Moreover, the immediate and persistent high levels of efficacy observed in this study for 35 days is consistent with those observed in previous studies against ticks in other genera.ConclusionsThe efficacy of sarolaner (Simparica™), administered orally to dogs at the minimum label dose of 2.0 mg/kg, was demonstrated against existing and weekly re-infestations of H. (R.) elliptica for at least 5 weeks. Efficacy of 100% was achieved against existing infestations as well as weekly re-infestations.

Automated photogrammetric method to identify individual painted dogs (Lycaon pictus)

The painted dog, Lycaon pictus, has been visually identified by their tricolor patterns in surveys and whilst computerised recognition methods have been used in other species, they have not been used in painted dogs. This study compares results achieved from Hotspotter software against human recognition. Fifteen individual painted dogs in Yokohama Zoo, Japan were photographed using camera-traps and hand-held cameras from October 17–20, 2017. Twenty examinees identified 297 photos visually, and the same images were identified using Hotspotter. In the visual identification, mean accuracy rate was 61.20%, and a mean finish time was 4,840 seconds. At 90.57%, the accuracy rate for Hotspotter was significantly higher, with a mean finish time of 3,168 seconds. This highlights that visual photo-recognition may not be of value for untrained eyes, while software recognition can be useful for this species. For visual identification there was a significant difference in accuracy rates between hand-held cameras and camera-traps whereas for software identification there was no significant difference. This result shows that the accuracy of software identification may be unaffected by the type of photographic device. With software identification there was a significant difference with camera-trap height. This may be because the images of one camera-trap at a lower position became dark due to it being in a shadow.

Bridging the divide between scientists and decision-makers: how behavioural ecologists can increase the conservation impact of their research?

Effective conservation management is underpinned by science. Yet, there are often barriers against the incorporation of up-to-date scientific research into decision-making and policy. Here, we draw on experience from a multi-nation approach to conserve cheetah and African wild dogs across Africa, using relationships between scientists and managers established over more than a decade, to better understand scientific information needs of managers. While our analysis focuses on Africa, many of our findings are likely to be relevant to other regions. Managers view science as critical to their decision-making processes and strongly support scientific research, particularly when research directly addresses their information needs. However, managers reported problems in accessing final results and highlighted the need to access raw ecological data from research undertaken within protected areas. Fundamental to improving the management relevance of scientific research is the need for scientists to engage with managers through all steps of the research process, from project design and implementation through to scientific publication and end-of-project agreements. Effective engagement requires open and clear communication; including agreed processes for access to biodiversity data and submission of final results. In order to foster future scientific endeavours and collaborations, systems should be established to better facilitate information exchange, while also safeguarding the rights of scientists to publish their data and protect their academic freedom. Our analysis also calls for a greater awareness of the geo-political context under which science is undertaken, and for increased scientific participation through an inclusive approach that recognizes, and gives credit to, a wider diversity of scientific contributions and expertise. This article is part of the theme issue 'Linking behaviour to dynamics of populations and communities: application of novel approaches in behavioural ecology to conservation'.

Ambient temperature provides an adaptive explanation for seasonal reproduction in a tropical mammal

AbstractUnderstanding how reproductive timing has evolved to reflect climatic conditions is increasingly important as the climate changes, influencing species persistence and ecosystem dynamics. Among endotherms, seasonal reproduction is often linked to natural selection for reproducing when biotic conditions (e.g. food availability) are most favourable. In contrast, we present evidence that direct effects of an abiotic factor have selected for seasonal reproduction in a tropical mammal. We have shown previously that the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), a diurnally active coursing predator, has lower reproductive success at high ambient temperatures, when its hunting activity is constrained. We therefore hypothesized that natural selection would favour reproduction during cool weather conditions, in locations where such conditions occur predictably. We show that, as predicted, wild dogs reproduce seasonally at latitudes from 7 to 25°S, such that their pup‐rearing periods coincide with the coolest (but not the driest) weeks of the year. Wild dog reproduction is aseasonal at latitudes ≤2°. As the climate warms, some temperate‐zone species have tracked optimal conditions through altered phenology. However, in seasonally breeding wild dog populations, any alteration in phenology would require breeding in hotter weather, probably reducing reproductive success. This endangered species may thus have a limited ability to adapt to climate change. Seasonal reproduction might be a trait indicating climate change vulnerability among tropical species.

Detailed characterization of repeat motifs of nine canid microsatellite loci in African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus)

Microsatellite loci identified in domestic species are frequently amplified and genotyped in wildlife species for which limited genomic information is available. However, even when the loci amplify successfully, genotyping them accurately in novel species can be complicated when the repeat motif is unknown or when the expected product size in the new target species differs from that reported for the domestic species from which the locus was identified. In this study, we amplified nine microsatellite loci that were identified previously in the domestic dog and genotyped them in 114 endangered African painted dog (Lycaon pictus) individuals. Although primer sequences for these loci were published, minimal details about the repeat motifs were available in the literature, and some of our product sizes differed substantially from those reported for the domestic dog, which complicated initial multiplexing and genotyping efforts. We therefore cloned and sequenced these loci to characterize the repeat structures and amplicon size for each locus, specific to L. pictus. Seven of the nine loci contained imperfect, compound repeats that often were a combination of di- and tetranucleotide repeats or which contained strings of single nucleotides. The resulting amplicons were also considerably smaller or larger than expected based on the homologous domestic dog loci. This information may assist other researchers who are conducting molecular studies on this endangered species or on other closely related canids.

Mycobacterium bovis Infection in African Wild Dogs, Kruger National Park, South Africa.

We screened African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Kruger National Park, South Africa, for Mycobacterium bovis infection using an interferon-gamma release assay. We detected M. bovis sensitization in 20 of 21 packs; overall apparent infection prevalence was 83%. These animals experience high infection pressure, which may affect long-term survival and conservation strategies.

Niche overlap and dietary resource partitioning in an African large carnivore guild

AbstractUnderstanding and quantifying a large carnivores’ feeding behaviour is a key component in determining its functional significance in an ecosystem, both in terms of its top‐down influence on prey species, but also its relationships with sympatric carnivores. Dietary overlap is one of the numerous niche dimensions used to characterize resource partitioning and potential competition within a community. We characterize the diet, potential dietary niche overlap and prey preference of a large African carnivore guild on small fenced protected areas. To quantify the potential inter‐ and intraspecific foraging competition, we analysed 5,128 kills, representing 35 prey species made by African wild dogs Lycaon pictus (n = 553), cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus (1,427), lions Panthera leo (2,648) and leopards P. pardus (500). Our results show that large African carnivores in small protected areas are exposed to considerable overlap in dietary resource utilization. At the interspecific level, African wild dogs and cheetahs displayed the greatest vulnerability to potential dietary competition. Lions exhibited marked differences in prey preference, mass and species utilization compared to the other carnivores. African wild dogs and cheetah females with dependent offspring occupied the greatest potential for dietary competition within the large carnivore guild. Using a case study based on the preferred biomass of prey available, we estimate the sustainable density of large carnivores at a small fenced prospective African wild dog reintroduction site. African wild dogs displayed the lowest mean predicted density compared to all sympatric predators with an expected population size of 7 individuals. Our research highlights the need to assess the influence of competitive forces in structuring and restoring large predators to portions of their historical range by identifying species most vulnerable to a potential reintroduction attempt. In the absence of controlled experiments, elucidating the influences of exploitation competition is challenging, and only through manipulating sympatric species presence and densities can these complex interactions be fully understood.

Comparative genomics provides new insights into the remarkable adaptations of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)

Within the Canidae, the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is the most specialized with regards to cursorial adaptations (specialized for running), having only four digits on their forefeet. In addition, this species is one of the few canids considered to be an obligate meat-eater, possessing a robust dentition for taking down large prey, and displays one of the most variable coat colorations amongst mammals. Here, we used comparative genomic analysis to investigate the evolutionary history and genetic basis for adaptations associated with cursoriality, hypercanivory, and coat color variation in African wild dogs. Genome-wide scans revealed unique amino acid deletions that suggest a mode of evolutionary digit loss through expanded apoptosis in the developing first digit. African wild dog-specific signals of positive selection also uncovered a putative mechanism of molar cusp modification through changes in genes associated with the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway, required for spatial patterning of teeth, and three genes associated with pigmentation. Divergence time analyses suggest the suite of genomic changes we identified evolved ~1.7 Mya, coinciding with the diversification of large-bodied ungulates. Our results show that comparative genomics is a powerful tool for identifying the genetic basis of evolutionary changes in Canidae.

Sex-Specific Predation Patterns on Kudu and Impala

Long-term growth rates of ungulate populations can be affected where disproportionate mortality occurs to adult females through predation. To investigate differences between lions (Panthera leo) and wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in relative selection for female prey, we analysed ranger records for impala (Aepyceros melampus) and kudu (Strepsiceros zambesiensis) from Madikwe and Pilanesberg Nature reserves, South Africa. Each kill was categorized by sex of killed animal (female, male), likely predator (lion, wild dog) and season of kill (early wet, late wet, early dry, late dry). Our findings at Madikwe and Pilanesberg show that wild dog kill data for both kudu and impala are female-biased whereas lion kill data for the two ungulate species are male-biased.

Food, family and female age affect reproduction and pup survival of African wild dogs

Understanding factors that affect the reproductive output and growth of a population of endangered carnivores is key to providing information for their effective conservation. Here, we assessed patterns in reproduction for a small population of endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) over 90 pack years. We tested how availability of prey, pack size, pack density, rainfall, temperature and female age affected the age of first litter, litter size and pup survival. We found that females bred younger when pack density, availability of prey and pack size were large. We also found that fecundity increased significantly with age while the population was male biased only for 1-, 2- and 4-year olds. Larger litters were produced by larger packs, suggesting strong reproductive benefits of grouping related to cooperative hunting and food provisioning for helpers and alpha females. We also found an interaction between breeding female age and pack size where older females in large packs raised a high proportion of pups. Additionally, large litters and large packs were important for raising a greater number of pups to 6 and 12 months, respectively, suggesting that while litter size is important for pup survival, the benefits of a large pack are only realised when pups are older and mobile with the pack. Collectively, these results illustrate the novel finding that prey availability is critically important in initiating reproduction in wild dogs and that the number of non-breeding helpers, female age and litter size is essential to pup survival. Variation in socio-environmental conditions strongly affects reproduction. We studied how the temporal variation in such conditions affected reproduction for African wild dogs across 23 years. We specifically aimed to test how long-term variation in food supply in conjunction with various socio-environmental conditions affected this endangered species’ ability to reproduce and raise offspring. Our result of larger groups producing larger litters and raising more pups strengthens previous conclusions of the critical importance of group size for wild dogs. However, reproduction is strongly dependent on when individuals can first reproduce and, for the first time, we illustrate that prey availability is the lynchpin upon which reproduction is initiated in this endangered species. We also highlight the importance of maternal age and initial large litter sizes in raising pups.

Hindlimb anatomy of the African painted dog ( Lycaon pictus )

The African wild dog, Lycaon pictus, is classified as Endangered by the IUCN, with as few as 1400 mature individuals currently surviving in the wild, due primarily to habitat fragmentation. African wild dogs are unique among canids in relying upon exhaustive predation, in which they chase prey to exhaustion rather than employing hunting strategies centered around speed or stealth. They are also extremely nomadic, with packs traveling up to 50km per day. Given these behaviors, it has been hypothesized that their hindlimb musculature will exhibit adaptations for this cursorial lifestyle. However, despite their dwindling numbers, detailed documentation regarding their hindlimb anatomy has not yet been published. Additionally, unlike other species in the canid family, African wild dogs lack a fifth pedal digit or “dewclaw”. The absence of this digit on the hindfoot likely alters the structure, position, and functions of the musculature of the hindlimb relative to other canids. This study involved detailed dissection, photo documentation, and descriptions of the hindlimb musculature and neurovasculature of Lycaon pictus. Throughout the study, muscles were described and weighed, and their origins and insertions were mapped for comparative purposes with other canid taxa.Findings revealed similarities in hindlimb musculature of the African wild dog compared to other canids, including the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). However, some interesting differences were noted. In comparison to other canids, the strength and thickness of the fascia investing the lower extremity muscles were notably increased. The tensor fascia lata (TFL) muscle was enlarged in mass and apparent size within the lateral aspect of the fascia lata. The fascia lata of the TFL coursed deep to and was invested with the rectus femoris. The rectus femoris was also demarcated with a separation from the other quadriceps femoris muscles, and continued to its insertion onto the patella mostly in isolation without compartmental fusion with the tendon of the vastus muscles. The vastus intermedius composed a majority of the central portion of the quadriceps tendon with some laterally investing muscle fibers from the vastus lateralis. These muscular configurations may permit a functional decoupling of the hip flexor and knee extensor components of the thigh musculature, such that the TFL + rectus femoris act to flex the hip, while the vasti act separately to extend the knee. This arrangement may function as a method of energy conservation during prolonged locomotion. Biceps femoris and abductor cruris caudalis inserted onto the crural fascia further distally down the crus, and were similarly noted to be more heavily invested in fascia than other canids. The muscles contributing to pes anserinus were each tightly invested in fascia, and attached in the typical order onto the medial aspect of the proximal tibia. Gracilis also inserted via an additional tendon that coursed inferiorly to insert onto the distal 1/3 of the tibia. The key differences identified in this study compared to other published canid species likely reflect adaptations that facilitate the unique cursorial and nomadic habits of African wild dogs.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

African wild dogs: Genetic viability of translocated populations across South Africa

South Africa holds a viable population of the endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), with almost 500 individuals divided into (1) an unmanaged population in the Kruger National Park (KNP), (2) a free-roaming population, and (3) a managed metapopulation (MTP) that originated from reintroductions. Because metapopulation reserves are geographically isolated, translocations are ongoing to mimic natural dispersal. During this study, we questioned whether the metapopulation management plan for wild dogs has been successful at maintaining healthy levels of genetic diversity and avoiding inbreeding in packs. We evaluated whether the current approach is effective for long-term population viability and assessed whether population admixture occurs between the three populations. To achieve this, we amplified 20 microsatellite loci for genetic analysis. We found high levels of genetic variation, likely resulting from translocations and artificial pack formation. Results showed that in the absence of any management intervention, the MTP would lose 48% of its heterozygosity over a 100-year trajectory, and KNP 12% heterozygosity. Under the current management scenario, the MTP will maintain 95% of its heterozygosity. We found genetic evidence that limited recent dispersal occurs between the MTP and KNP (FST = 0.06). In conclusion, the metapopulation management plan can be considered successful based on the achieved population growth and preservation of genetic diversity. Our study highlights that genetic data form a critical part of conservation management, and that translocations can be a vital tool to restore genetic variability of species.

Dog appeasing pheromone prevents the androgen surge and may reduce contact dominance and active submission after stressful interventions in African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus).

The endangered African wild dog (AWD; Lycaon pictus) is a highly social canid living in packs with a separate male and female hierarchy. Immobilisation, handling and translocations are acute stressors for AWDs, however such interventions are often needed for species management. In addition, new pack formation or temporary pack separation can lead to an increase in intra-pack aggression. The goal of this double-blinded placebo-controlled study conducted in captive zoo populations was to evaluate whether dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) reduces behavioural stress and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels (fGCM) normally associated with pack separation, immobilisation and reintroduction (SIR), and to assess whether this reduces aggressive behaviours and faecal androgen metabolite levels (fAM). Four packs (n = 11 males) were treated with DAP and 4 packs (n = 12 males) were treated with a placebo solution, applied at the end of anaesthesia. Behavioural interactions as well as fGCM and fAM were determined from 3 days before until 4–6 days after SIR. No effect of DAP on fGCM was observed, however, fAM increased after SIR in placebo but not DAP treated animals. Moreover, on the day of reintroduction, DAP treated packs tended to have lower rates of contact-dominance and active-submission behaviour, but higher rates of non-contact dominance behaviour. As these effects could decrease the risk of agonistic interactions, DAP may be a useful tool to help manage new pack formations and temporary pack separation.

Landscape correlates of space use in the critically endangered African wild dog Lycaon pictus.

Human-carnivore conflict can threaten human life and livelihoods, leading to retaliation that negatively affects carnivore conservation. The endangered African wild dog Lycaon pictus is prone to human-carnivore conflict. Therefore, it is imperative to understand which landscape features are associated with African wild dog occurrence since selection or avoidance of these features could predict the levels of conflict. We investigated resource selection in the African wild dog in relation to four anthropogenic landscape features (livestock density, agriculture, roads and human land use) within the landscape that may pose a mortality risk, as well as one natural feature (nature reserves). We compared spatio-temporal space use patterns of four African wild dog packs in north-eastern South Africa. Data were collected from one collared individual per pack. These packs constituted approximately 10% of the total remaining African wild dog population in South Africa. Two packs occurred outside of the Kruger National Park and had access to multiple areas with farmland and other anthropogenic features, whereas the remaining two packs mainly occurred within the boundaries of the Kruger National Park but made occasional forays outside of park boundaries. Utilising Resource Selection Functions and GIS analyses, we found that agricultural landscape features, roads and nature reserves were important predictors of African wild dog occurrence for all four packs. In addition to potential conflict with farmers, high odds of occurrence on roads with fast-moving traffic and road mortality was highlighted as a concern for three of the packs. While farms and areas that house livestock were readily available, pack presence occurred in areas with few farms and low livestock densities, pointing to avoidance of areas where human-carnivore conflict and resulting mortality could occur. Our study highlights potential threats to the persistence of the African wild dog, which can be used to inform future conservation efforts of the species.