African Wolf Research Articles

First report of Angiostrongylus vasorum in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster) in Algeria

BackgroundAngiostrongylus vasorum, commonly known as the “French heartworm,” is a nematode belonging to the Metastrongyloidea superfamily. This parasite was first identified in Toulouse, France in 1853 infecting the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart of a Pointer dog. Angiostrongylosis is an important infection due its severe clinical signs and potential for causing high morbidity and mortality in domestic dogs. This nematode has not been studied in Algeria. The aim of this study was investigate the presence of lungworms among different mammal species in a number of Algerian regions.MethodsBetween February 2022 and September 2023, 47 road-killed animals were collected from six administrative units (departments) in Algeria. All carcasses underwent a full parasitological necropsy, and lung tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and concentrated ethanol for further study. All collected samples were subjected to histological and PCR (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) analyses for lungworm identification.ResultsHistological examination revealed the presence of nematode eggs and larvae in the alveolar space and chronic obstructive vascular changes were detected in a single golden African wolf (Canis lupaster) collected from the department of Constantine. First-stage larvae were collected and morphologically identified as Angiostrongylus spp. The molecular identification confirmed the presence of A. vasorum. All other animals tested were negative for lungworms.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. vasorum infection in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster). We report a new host association, highlighting the importance of further studies to update the geographical distribution of A. vasorum and its epidemiology across Algeria.Graphical

A new canid host for subcutaneous ticks: A report from Algeria in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster)

BackgroundTicks are hematophagous ectoparasites that feed on the skin surface of their host. Subcutaneous localizations of ticks have predominantly been associated with red foxes, documenting new cases still brings new and potentially valuable data for tackling this unusual situation. The objective of this study is to report the presence of subcutaneous ticks in a new host and on a new continent. MethodsBetween February 2022 and September 2023, 47 road-killed animal carcasses belonging mostly to carnivorous species were subjected to a comprehensive parasitological necropsy. Upon detection of subcutaneous tick, the protuberance was excised, dissected, and preserved in labeled vials containing ethanol. Identification of the subcutaneous tick was carried out at the species level. ResultsA single nodule of subcutaneous ticks was found in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster) collected from Northern Algeria; no other cases of unusual tick locations were observed. Based on morphological criteria the tick was identified as Ixodes ricinus / I. inopinatus. ConclusionThis study represents the first documentation of subcutaneous tick in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster), thereby broadening the host spectrum for this atypical location. Furthermore, it underscores North Africa as a new geographical area where this phenomenon occurs.

Hidden diversity of cestodes in wild African carnivores: I. Non-taeniid cyclophyllideans

Our knowledge of parasites in wildlife remains limited, primarily due to restricted access to samples, especially of parasites from protected species. This present study contributes to the comprehension of the enigmatic world of helminths of African wild mammals and cestode biodiversity by combining both molecular and morphological analysis. Cestode samples were opportunistically collected from 77 individual definitive hosts in South Africa, Namibia and Ethiopia, encompassing 15 different species of wild African carnivores and additionally domestic cats. The analysis revealed 32 different cyclophyllidean species of which 21 (65.6 %) represent previously unknown genetic entities. They belong to the families Mesocestoididae, Hymenolepididae, Dipylidiidae and Taeniidae. Here we cover the non-taeniid cestodes, while the taeniids will be addressed in a separate publication. Three of the non-taeniid species uncovered in this study could be assigned to the genus Mesocestoides and were isolated from servals and domestic cats. The white-tailed mongoose was found to be a suitable host for a species belonging to the Hymenolepididae, which was identified as Pseudandrya cf. mkuzii. Both feline and canine genotypes of Dipylidium caninum were detected in domestic cats, the canine genotype also in an African wolf. In addition to these, a novel species of Dipylidium was discovered in an aardwolf. Lastly, four distinct species of Joyeuxiella were found in this study, revealing a cryptic species complex and emphasizing the need for a taxonomic reassessment of this genus. Despite the limited scope of our study in terms of geography and sample size, the results highlight that biodiversity of cestodes in African wild mammals is grossly under-researched and follow-up studies are urgently required, in particular linking morphology to gene sequences.

Evaluating hybrid speciation and swamping in wild carnivores with a decision-tree approach.

Hybridization is an important evolutionary force with a principal role in the origin of new species, known as hybrid speciation. However, ongoing hybridization can create hybrid swamping, in which parental genomes are completely lost. This can become a biodiversity threat if it involves species that have adapted to certain environmental conditions and occur nowhere else. Because conservation scientists commonly have a negative attitude toward hybrids, it is important to improve understanding of the influence of interspecific gene flow on the persistence of species. We reviewed the literature on species hybridization to build a list of all known cases in the order Carnivora. To examine the relative impact, we also noted level of introgression, whether fertile offspring were produced, and whether there was mention of negative or positive evolutionary effects (hybrid speciation and swamping). To evaluate the conservation implications of hybrids, we developed a decision-making tree with which to determine which actions should be taken to manage hybrid species. We found 53 hybrids involving 68 unique taxa, which is roughly 23% of all carnivore species. They mainly involved monophyletic (83%) and sympatric species (75%). For 2 species, the outcome of the assessment was to eliminate or restrict the hybrids: Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) and Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris). Both species hybridize with their domestic conspecifics. For all other cases, we suggest hybrids be protected in the same manner as native species. We found no evidence of genomic extinction in Carnivora. To the contrary, some species appear to be of hybrid origin, such as the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and African golden wolf (Canis lupaster). Other positive outcomes of hybridization are novel genetic diversity, adaptation to extreme environments, and increased reproductive fitness. These outcomes are particularly valuable for counterbalancing genetic drift and enabling adaptive introgression in a human-dominated world.

Diversity of Rickettsia spp. in ticks from wild mammals of Morocco and Mauritania

Ticks are known as vectors and reservoirs of rickettsiae and, wildlife vertebrate hosts as suitable dispersers of ticks contributing to the life cycle of rickettsial agents in nature. In the herein study, the presence of rickettsiae was investigated in ticks from wild mammals (Gerbillus and Jaculus, Vulpes rueppellii, Canis anthus, Felis lybica and Felis margarita) in Mauritania and Morocco. Morphological and molecular analysis of ticks allowed their identification as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Hyalomma impeltatum. A total of 126 partially engorged adult ticks, collected from 40 animals, were screened for the presence of rickettsial DNA by conventional PCR targeting the ompB gene, followed by ompA and gltA targets and bidirectional sequencing. As a result of the sequence analyses, that at least three different species of pathogenic spotted fever group rickettsiae were detected. Rickettsia parkeri-like was detected in a R. sanguineus s.l. (n=1) collected from an African wildcat from Morocco. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in a H. impeltatum (n=1) collected from a gerbil rodent. Rickettsia massiliae was detected in R. sanguineus s.l. ticks (n=5) collected from two Ruppells' foxes. The herein study demonstrates that pathogenic Rickettsia species are circulating in Morocco and Mauritania wildlife.

Possible origins and implications of atypical morphologies and domestication-like traits in wild golden jackals (Canis aureus)

Deciphering the origins of phenotypic variations in natural animal populations is a challenging topic for evolutionary and conservation biologists. Atypical morphologies in mammals are usually attributed to interspecific hybridisation or de-novo mutations. Here we report the case of four golden jackals (Canis aureus), that were observed during a camera-trapping wildlife survey in Northern Israel, displaying anomalous morphological traits, such as white patches, an upturned tail, and long thick fur which resemble features of domesticated mammals. Another individual was culled under permit and was genetically and morphologically examined. Paternal and nuclear genetic profiles, as well as geometric morphometric data, identified this individual as a golden jackal rather than a recent dog/wolf-jackal hybrid. Its maternal haplotype suggested past introgression of African wolf (Canis lupaster) mitochondrial DNA, as previously documented in other jackals from Israel. When viewed in the context of the jackal as an overabundant species in Israel, the rural nature of the surveyed area, the abundance of anthropogenic waste, and molecular and morphological findings, the possibility of an individual presenting incipient stages of domestication should also be considered.

Diet Analysis of the African Golden Wolf Canis anthus (Cuvier, 1820) in Tizi-ouzou, Kabylia Region (Algeria)

The diet of the African golden wolf Canis anthus was studied in the region of Tizi-Ouzou (North-Central Algeria), during a period from November 2016 to May 2017 by means of scat analysis. A total of 386 samples were collected in the study area, 206 in Yakouren and 180 in Ait-Zellal. Prey items found in the dung were assigned to species or higher taxa using identification guides and our collection of plant samples from the study area.The identification of the different items allowed us to classify the prey of this carnivore into 8 food categories Mammals, Arthropods, Birds, Energy plants, Non-energy plants, Reptiles, Molluscs and Waste. Plant material, mammals and birds are the most consumed food items in both study stations, with significant differences between the diet compositions of the two habitats. These results confirm that the feeding behaviour of golden wolves is generalist and opportunistic, the existence of a significant difference between the diet compositions in the two different habitats emphasises the influence of environmental factors on the feeding ecology of Canis anthus.

Daily and seasonal activity patterns of the dorcas gazelle, scimitar‐horned oryx, north‐African ostrich and canids in an arid habitat

AbstractNorth Africa's megafauna has developed behavioural adaptations to reduce energetic and fitness costs under harsh arid land conditions. Animal behaviour and activity patterns are difficult to study in the wild, but remote camera traps provide a solution to collecting data without the presence of a researcher influencing outcomes. Here, we report results from a study comprising over 20,382 camera‐trap days during a 34‐month period in Dghoumes National Park, Tunisia. We aimed to evaluate temporal activity patterns and their overlap and explore opportunities for niche partitioning. Our focal species were the reintroduced scimitar‐horned oryx, north‐African ostrich, dorcas gazelles and extant regional top‐order predators, African wolf and red fox. We found differences in activity patterns between seasons across the focal species, with the most noticeable change being an increase in dawn activity from 1% to 33% between winter and summer for the red fox. Consequently, higher summer temperatures limit opportunities for temporal niche partitioning and push focal species towards dawn‐time activity peaks resulting in higher intra‐guild overlap values at dawn. Arid antelopes have physiological adaptations that enable them to better exploit ecological resources in hotter time periods than the carnivores, and this reduces inter‐guild overlap during summer days.

Home range, habitat use, and activity patterns of African wolves (Canis lupaster) in the Ethiopian highlands

African wolves (Canis lupaster) and Ethiopian wolves (C. simensis) occur often sympatrically across habitats in the Ethiopian Highlands, with recent studies finding evidence for interspecific competition. However, unlike the well-studied Ethiopian wolf, comparatively little is known about the ecology of the African wolf in the Ethiopian Highlands. To address this empirical gap, we collected data on home range size, habitat use, and activity patterns of radio-collared African wolves at the Guassa Menz Community Conservation Area (GCCA) and Borena Saynt Worehimenu National Park (BSNP). We followed the African wolves (5 in GCCA, 6 in BSNP) for 16 months and had 659 ± 83 encounters with each individual. The mean 95% kernel density estimate home range size of African wolves was higher in BSNP (4.5 ± 1.5 km2) than at GCCA (2.2 ± 0.7 km2). In 55% (n = 3934) of the encounters the wolves were found to be solitary, whereas in other encounters we found them in groups of two to seven. At both sites, the African wolves were more often found in areas close to human settlements than in more intact habitat, and they were mainly active at dawn and dusk. These results show flexibility in African wolf socioecology in response to habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic disturbance. We recommend further studies on major causes of spatial and temporal niche partitioning of Ethiopian wolves and African wolves in the Ethiopian Highlands.

Humans-livestock predators conflict in the Central and Eastern Part of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

BackgroundSharing of space by humans and wildlife at a time may ignite apparent conflict. Populations of many species are declining due to the degradation of wildlife habitats caused by agricultural activities. Additionally, livestock may compete with wild herbivores for grazing and reduce the abundance of wild prey for carnivores. A reduction in populations of prey species of large predators might cause carnivores to be attracted towards livestock, ultimately provoking and aggravating the human-carnivores conflict. This study investigated the current status of the human-predators conflict in and around the Bale Mountains National Park.ResultsMost (72.75%) respondents agreed on the presence of livestock predation. Major reported predators were spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), olive baboon (Papio anubis), African wolf (Canis lupaster), aardvark (Orycteropus afer), genet (Genetta genetta), Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), lion (Panthera leo), and leopard (Panthera pardus). Cattle (54.19%), sheep (70.96%), goat (32.0%), donkey (37.72%) and horse (27.54%) were mentioned as major target of predators. Within the past ten years 1623 sheep, 741 cattle, 639 goats, 193 donkeys, and 124 horses were predated. This study found an increasing trend of livestock predation. The trend was reported to be high within the Park (68%). During the past ten years, households reported killings of 3320 livestock that cost 347,460.53 USD. Loss of 8.66 USD per month constituted 27.45% of their monthly income which is expected to have a great sustenance impact. Human settlement (41%), agricultural practices (38.6%), overgrazing (25.3%), deforestation for charcoal production (25.1%), deliberate fire to free lands for agriculture (17.3%) were noticed as major causes of livestock depredation.ConclusionsThe results of the present study show that there is strong human-livestock predator conflict in the study area. Therefore, the author suggested that conflict mitigation efforts focus on securing the livestock enclosure to protected areas and regular compensation fees for farmers that face great damage from wildlife. The foremost action should be awareness creation about the environmental, social, and economic importance of protected areas. The management staff of the Park is also expected to promote community involvement in the plan of mitigation strategies and practices.

DOES THE AFRICAN GOLDEN WOLF, Canis anthus, PLAY THE ROLE OF REGULATOR OF NATURAL MICROMAMMAL POPULATIONS IN THE EDOUGH MOUNTAIN RANGE (NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA)?

The objective of this study is to analyse the share of small mammals in the diet of the African Golden Wolf (Canis anthus), to deduce its functional role as regulator of densities of this food category.
 Methods: Sampling campaign was carried out during the winter period 2020, when trophic resources are least abundant, and when the small mammals are most abundant. We choosed two different ecological conditions to conduct the scats sampling in the Edough Mountain Range, once in the natural environment of Berouaga and the second in Ain Barbar landfill. 30 droppings were collected in the field and at each site, then sterilized, washed, sorted and identified in the laboratory.
 Results: We were able to identify rodents, wild boar’s carcass, arthropods, birds, plants and wastes (plastic bag, papers, aluminium foils..). Occurrence frequencies analysis of item preys stand shows that the African golden wolf consumes micromammals less frequently in the natural environment, to avoid interspecific competition pressure with other predators like common genets, and does not consume them at all in the anthropized environment, since the anthropogenic resources are abundant, easily accessible and requiring no energy loss.
 Conclusion: By its opportunistic behavior, the African Golden Wolf turns away from its role as regulator of natural populations of small mammals, in the presence of anthropogenic resources.

Genome Sequencing of a Gray Wolf from Peninsular India Provides New Insights into the Evolution and Hybridization of Gray Wolves.

The gray wolf (Canis lupus) is among the few large carnivores that survived the Late Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions. Thanks to their complex history of admixture and extensive geographic range, the number of gray wolf subspecies and their phylogenetic relationships remain poorly understood. Here, we perform whole-genome sequencing of a gray wolf collected from peninsular India that was phenotypically distinct from gray wolves outside India. Genomic analyses reveal that the Indian gray wolf is an evolutionarily distinct lineage that diverged from other extant gray wolf lineages ∼110 thousand years ago. Demographic analyses suggest that the Indian wolf population declined continuously decline since separating from other gray wolves and, today, has exceptionally low genetic diversity. We also find evidence for pervasive and mosaic gene flow between the Indian wolf and African canids including African wolf, Ethiopian wolf, and African wild dog despite their current geographical separation. Our results support the hypothesis that the Indian subcontinent was a Pleistocene refugium and center of diversification and further highlight the complex history of gene flow that characterized the evolution of gray wolves.

The role of rodents in the conservation of endangered species in the Ethiopian highlands

The Ethiopian highlands is the largest Afroalpine habitat on the African continent contributing 80 % of the land above 3,000 masl on the continent. The Ethiopian highlands are part of Conservation International’s Eastern Afro-Montane Biodiversity Hotspot supporting a large number of endemic mammal and bird species. In the highlands, rodent species are key for the survival of many species including the endangered Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) and over 25 species of diurnal raptors. However, increasing agricultural activities and livestock grazing affect rodent density and distribution through degrading their habitat and disrupting their reproductive cycle. As human settlement expands into the Ethiopian wolf range, it also attracts the African wolf (Canis lupaster) towards the core area of the Ethiopian wolf. The African wolf was recently reported to affect the survival of the Ethiopian wolf though exploitative and interference competition. Along with all the anthropogenic effects, climate change may further threaten the rodent abundance of the Ethiopian highlands through altering the grassland vegetation cover, the main forage of the rodents. Polices and strategies for the conservation management of the Ethiopian highlands should consider rodents as keystone prey playing a critical role for the survival of a large number of wildlife species.

Towards resolving taxonomic uncertainties in wolf, dog and jackal lineages of Africa, Eurasia and Australasia

AbstractSuccessful conservation depends on accurate taxonomy. Currently, the taxonomy of canids in Africa, Eurasia and Australasia is unstable as recent molecular and morphological studies have questioned earlier phenetic classifications. We review available information on several taxa of Old World and Australasian Canis with phylogenetic uncertainties (namely, African jackals, Asian wolves and Australasian dogs), in order to assess the validity of suggested scientific names and provide a scientific basis for reaching a taxonomic consensus primarily based on molecular data, but also including morphology, biogeography and behavioural ecology. We identify major knowledge gaps, provide recommendations for future research and discuss conservation implications of an updated taxonomic framework. Recent molecular studies indicate that the former Afro‐Eurasian ‘golden jackal’ represents two distinct lineages, the golden jackal (Canis aureus) from Eurasia and the African wolf (C. lupaster) from Africa. Phylogenetic research also indicates that the side‐striped and black‐backed jackals form a monophyletic group that branched earlier than Canis, Cuon and Lycaon, which should be reassigned to the genus Lupulella as L. adusta and L. mesomelas, respectively. The Himalayan/Tibetan and Indian wolf lineages appear to have diverged earlier and are distinct from all other grey wolves (C. lupus) based on mitochondrial and nuclear genome data. However, until genome‐wide data from multiple individuals across the range clarify relationships with other taxa, we suggest referring to the Himalayan/Tibetan wolf lineage as Canis lupus chanco. We support the currently accepted nomenclature for the Indian wolf Canis lupus pallipes for the wolf populations found on the Indian subcontinent and possibly also in south‐western Asia (exact geographical boundary pending). The information presented here provides a current and consistent taxonomic framework for use by conservationists and other practitioners, but it is also intended to stimulate further research to resolve current uncertainties affecting the taxonomy of Old World canids.

Zoological specimens from the Franco-Tuscan expedition to Egypt (1828–1829) in Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Pisa

This paper describes the zoological specimens collected by Giuseppe Raddi during the Franco-Tuscan expedition to Egypt (1828–1829) held in the collection of the Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Pisa. Twenty-two specimens exist, including four amphibians preserved in alcohol, and 18 taxidermy specimens (16 birds, 2 mammals). Among these is a specimen of the taxonomically controversial Canis lupaster (African wolf) and one of the first specimen of Oenanthe xanthoprymna (Kurdish wheatear) held in European museums.

The canine counts! Significance of a craniodental measure to describe sexual dimorphism in canids: Golden jackals (Canis aureus) and African wolves (Canis lupaster)

Sexual dimorphism is a widespread phenomenon among mammals, including carnivorans. While sexual dimorphism in golden jackals (Canis aureus) has been analysed in the past, in the related and apparently convergent canid, the African wolf (Canis lupaster), it is poorly studied and showed to be relatively small. Previously, sexual size dimorphism (SSD) research in these species was mostly based on skull and body measurements. In our study, we also included dental measurements, namely the diameter of the canine. We used 11 measured sections of 104 adult specimens, comprising 61 golden jackal and 43 African wolf skulls. Data analyses were carried out through logistic regression and conditional inference trees (CIT). To compare the results of SSD to other species, sexual dimorphism indices (SDI) were calculated. Golden jackals and African wolves show significant sexual size dimorphism, both in cranial and dental size. The logistic regression revealed that the mesiodistal diameter of the upper canine is most effective in discerning the sexes. The difference in the calculated SDI of the canine diameter between the sexes amounted to 8.71 in golden jackals and 14.11 in African wolves, respectively—with regional diversity. Thus, the canine diameter is an important measure to investigate SSD as well as an easy tool to apply in the field.

Spatio-temporal ecology of a carnivore community in middle atlas, NW of Morocco

In species that live in sympatry, some dimensions of their ecological niche can overlap, but coexistence is possible thanks to segregation strategies, being the differential use of space and time one of the most frequent. Through a pioneer study in North-West Africa based on a camera-trapping survey, we studied ecology features of a carnivores’ community in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco. We focused on how species shared (or not) the territory and their activity patterns. Camera trapping detected five carnivorous species: African golden wolf (Canis lupaster), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), genet (Genetta genetta) and African wildcat (Felis lybica lybica). Generalized Linear Models confirmed different habitat selection patterns between these species. The presence of a small protected area or prey availability apparently were not determinant factors in the abundance of these species. Spatial segregation patterns were observed between the red fox with the domestic dog and between the red fox with the genet. Kernel density estimates showed strong temporal segregation of red fox and African golden wolf with regard to domestic dog, and suggested avoidance mechanisms for the triad red fox, genet and African golden wolf. Despite the influence of interspecific competition in the assembly of the community, human pressure was apparently the most relevant factor related with the spatio-temporal segregation in this territory.

Pleistocene climate fluctuations drove demographic history of African golden wolves (Canis lupaster).

Pleistocene climate change impacted entire ecosystems throughout the world. In the northern hemisphere, the distribution of Arctic species expanded during glacial periods, while more temperate and mesic species contracted into climatic refugia, where isolation drove genetic divergence. Cycles of local cooling and warming in the Sahara region of northern Africa caused repeated contractions and expansions of savannah-like environments which connected mesic species isolated in refugia during interglacial times, possibly driving population expansions and contractions; divergence and geneflow in the associated fauna. Here, we use whole genome sequences of African golden wolves (Canis lupaster), a generalist mesopredator with a wide distribution in northern Africa to estimate their demographic history and past episodes of geneflow. We detect a correlation between divergence times and cycles of increased aridity-associated Pleistocene glacial cycles. A complex demographic history with responses to local climate change in different lineages was found, including a relict lineage north of the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco that has been isolated for more than 18,000years, possibly a distinct ecotype.

Genome Sequencing a Gray Wolf from Peninsular India Provides New Insights into the Evolution and Hybridization of Gray Wolves

The gray wolf ( Canis lupus ) is among the few large carnivores that survived the Late Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions. Thanks to a complex history of admixture and their extensive geographic ranges, the number of gray wolf subspecies and their phylogenic relationships remain poorly understood. 1-5 Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing of a gray wolf collected from peninsular India that was phenotypically distinct from other gray wolves outside India. Genomic analyses revealed that the gray wolf lineage from the Indian subcontinent is ancestral to other gray wolf lineages and diverged from other gray wolves ~116 thousand years ago. Despite their small long-term population size and large geographic range, we also found evidence for pervasive and mosaic gene flow between the Indian wolf and African canids including African golden wolf, Ethiopian wolf, and African wild dog, as well as with West Asian gray wolves. Our study highlights the complex history of gene flow that characterized the evolution of gray wolves and contributes to a better understanding of their evolutionary history.

Resource Partitioning of Sympatric African Wolves (Canis lupaster) and Side-Striped Jackals (Canis adustus) in an Arid Environment from West Africa

Knowledge on interference competition between species, particularly for scarce crucial resources, such as water, is a topic of increasing relevance for wildlife management given climate change scenarios. This study focuses on two sympatric canids, the African wolf and the side-striped jackal, to evaluate their group size and spatiotemporal activity patterns in the use of a limited resource by monitoring artificial waterholes in a semi-arid environment located in Senegal (West Africa). Remote cameras were deployed at five artificial waterholes to evaluate the number of individuals, age and activity patterns of resource use. African wolves (n = 71; 31% of all carnivore detections) and side-striped jackals (n = 104; 45%) were the most detected carnivore species. While both canids tended to occur alone at waterholes, they showed an evident monthly variation in group size. Both species showed a high activity overlap, with a bimodal activity pattern in waterhole use. However, we found evidence of unidirectional spatiotemporal avoidance, suggesting African wolves might be dominant over side-striped jackals. Our findings provide useful insights to investigate niche partitioning on the use of limited resources and have conservation implications for regions with a prolonged dry season.