Canis Mesomelas Research Articles

Grouping Behaviour and Anti-Predator Responses in the Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris

Little is known about landbird group dynamics in response to predation. Here, we describe the interactions between the Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and its predators regarding the survival advantages grouping behaviour may provide. Livestream webcam observations were conducted in Madikwe Game Reserve (South Africa) from August 2020 to August 2021. Emphasis was placed on predator–prey interaction and its effect on group size and structure in a spatial framework. We hypothesise that while grouping is crucial for a number of daily activities in this highly social species, it might turn into a higher predatory pressure. We found, indeed, that the probability of attacks by black-backed jackals (Lupulella mesomelas) significantly increased with guineafowl group size, unlike what happened with raptors. Moreover, when attacked by jackals, the birds responded by standing close to each other. These results suggest, in line with the proposed hypothesis, that a trade-off occurs between the defensive function of grouping in this galliform and the probability of jackal attack that increases as a function of prey group size. Nevertheless, we argue that Helmeted Guineafowl cooperative social groups also play a role as a defensive strategy against predators, with the many-eyes and dilution effects likely compensating for the higher predatory pressure.

Relative abundance of a mesocarnivore in a human-dominated, semi-arid rangeland in Namibia

Mesocarnivores fill important roles in ecological communities globally, but their distribution and abundance are often understudied. Many species have historically been regarded as vermin and subject to lethal control due to their role in livestock predation. Identifying the factors influencing mesocarnivore populations can help disentangle their relationship within ecological communities and inform conflict mitigation and conservation priorities. To help identify these factors, we used camera traps to study the community of medium and large mammals in four communal conservancies of northeastern Namibia covering the wet and dry seasons using 99 and 97 camera trap stations, respectively. We modelled black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) abundance using the robust Royle-Nichols model. Black-backed jackal were widespread, with a mean per site abundance of 2.01 (SD=0.66) in the wet season and 2.41 (SD=0.49) in the dry season. Black-backed jackal showed seasonally contrasting covariate associations, with lower abundance in areas with medium and large-sized wild prey during the wet season, and higher abundance in areas with more villages and close to African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) dens in the dry season. We identified localized hotspots of black-backed jackal abundance during the dry season, which may indicate that when resources are scarce, black-backed jackals rely on anthropogenic food sources despite an elevated risk for conflict, and on carcass remains from African wild dog kills. These findings highlight potential drivers of mesocarnivore abundance that would be obscured in a conventional occurrence modelling framework, and illustrate how local abundance may be influenced by seasonal variability, wild and anthropogenic food sources, and a likely facilitative relationship with a large carnivore. Further investigations in areas with more complex carnivore guilds and higher density of dominant predators are needed to understand black-backed jackal-African wild dog interactions and impacts on population dynamics.

Comparison of the effectiveness and efficiency of the grid and link search methods to recover scattered skeletal remains

The grid and link search methods are used to recover scattered skeletal remains. Neither have not been compared robustly and clear guidelines for the link method have not been sufficiently developed. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of both methods and propose guidelines for the link method. The scattering patterns of two scavengers of forensic relevance—slender mongooses (Galerella sanguinea) and black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas)—were recreated using four pig skeletons (Sus scrofa domesticus). Two groups (n = 6 each) were assigned a different method to recover the scattered remains. The length of the search and when each bone was located for each scatter pattern was recorded for each group and scatter pattern. A Likert scale questionnaire assessed participants’ perceptions of their assigned method. A paired t-test (p = 0.005) compared the efficiency of each method and the questionnaire answers. Both methods were effective, recovering 100% of all remains. The link method was more efficient for both scatter patterns, despite there being no statistical significance (jackal: p = 0.089; mongoose: p = 0.464). Participants indicated favorable views for both methods; however, the link method scored significantly more favorably (p = 0.01) for efficiency. Specific guidelines were developed for the use of the link method. The link method is suggested for the recovery of scattered remains in forensic contexts, especially when the scavenger, its behavior, and scattering pattern is known or suspected.

Lion lords and sharing hyaenas: Carnivore guild dynamics around elephant carcasses.

Megaherbivore carcasses represent sporadic but energetically rewarding resources for carnivores, offering a unique opportunity to study coexistence dynamics between facultative scavengers. South African fenced protected areas, such as Madikwe Game Reserve (Madikwe hereafter), host viable populations of large carnivores and high densities of elephants, Loxodonta africana. However, high carnivore densities can lead to potentially fatal interspecific encounters and increased competition, particularly around high-quality trophic resources. This study explores the temporal partitioning and co-detection strategies of carnivores at six elephant carcasses in Madikwe, aiming to understand how the increased carrion biomass available at elephant carcasses influences coexistence dynamics. Camera traps were deployed to monitor carcasses during two periods (2019 and 2020), revealing occurrences of six carnivore species. Carnivores, particularly black-backed jackals, Lupulella mesomelas, (hereafter jackal), lions, Panthera leo, and spotted hyaenas, Crocuta crocuta, comprised 56.7% of carcass observations, highlighting their pivotal roles in scavenging dynamics. Pairwise co-detection analysis demonstrated consistent association and shared peak activity periods between jackals and spotted hyaenas, indicating potential resource sharing. However, the minimal co-detection rates between lions and other carnivores highlight their resource domination. There was some evidence of temporal partitioning between carnivores, with most species exhibiting earlier peaks in nocturnal activity to avoid temporal overlap with lions. This study emphasises the importance of elephant carcasses in the diet of multiple species and coexistence techniques utilised to exploit this ephemeral resource. As fenced protected areas become crucial for conserving intact carnivore guilds globally, further research into carnivore behavioural adaptations at carcasses is recommended to shed light on their coexistence strategies.

Evidence for a host switching in the maintenance of canid rabies variant in two wild carnivore species in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa.

Rabies is a zoonotic infectious disease that causes at least 59 000 human deaths worldwide annually, with 95% of the cases occurring in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. There are two Lyssavirus rabies (RABV) variants circulating in South Africa, notably the canid and mongoose RABV biotypes. The canid RABV biotype is maintained in the domestic dog and two wild carnivore species, the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and the bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis). The yellow mongoose, a member of the Herpestidae family, is a reservoir and vector species for the mongoose RABV biotype. Rabies trends showed an increase in rabiespositive cases in aardwolves between 2011 and 2016 surpassing the bat-eared fox as the most rabies-affected wild carnivore in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The aim of the study was to establish the genetic relationships amongst rabies viruses recovered from both the aardwolves and bat-eared foxes. A partial region of the glycoprotein gene and the variable G-L intergenic region of the viral genome were analysed using nucleotide sequences generated from PCR amplicons. The rabies viruses recovered from the aardwolves between the year 2015 and 2017 were 100% nucleotide sequence identical, suggesting a single or common source and possible evidence for a host shift. Furthermore, the phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrated that the rabies viruses obtained from the two wild carnivore species from the Northern Cape Province clustered independently of each o ther with 96% nucleotide sequence identity, suggesting that the aardwolf may be able to maintain the canid RABV variant in this geographical area.

Frugivory by carnivores: Black‐backed jackals are key dispersers of seeds of the scented !nara melon in the Namib Desert

AbstractCarnivorous mammals have been reported to feed on fleshy fruits and disperse seeds, but these interactions are seldom observed and are poorly understood in hyper‐arid regions. Scent may play a key role in these interactions, given that most carnivores have sensitive olfactory systems and dichromatic vision. The !nara (Acanthosicyos horridus: Cucurbitaceae) in the Namib Desert produces large (10–20 cm diameter) melons that remain green while undergoing increased volatile emissions with a changing chemical profile as they ripen. Using extensive camera trapping, we found that the fruits are consumed mainly by black‐backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) and rarely also by other carnivores such as cape fox (Vulpes chama) and brown hyaena (Hyaena brunnea). We found that scent cues play a crucial role as jackals mainly sought fruits at night and easily located ripe fruits that were experimentally buried beneath the sand to remove visual cues. Seeds retrieved from jackal scat showed improved germination relative to un‐ingested seeds. This study highlights the importance of fruit scent in mediating seed dispersal mutualisms involving carnivores.

Recommendations for the development of a carnivore viewing site at a colony of Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) in southern Namibia

ABSTRACT This study examined the daily and monthly activity patterns of brown hyenas (Hyaena brunnea) and black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) at a Cape fur seal colony in southern Namibia, to provide recommendations for developing a sustainable wildlife viewing site. Observations conducted between November 2020 and October 2022 showed that the carnivores were most active between May and October, with jackals showing peak activity around sunrise and sunset, and brown hyenas mostly visiting around midday. The animals were more active during cloudy and cool weather. With the diurnal activity of carnivores and their predation behaviour on Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) pups, the area has high ecotourism potential. Brown hyenas, however, are sensitive to human disturbance, such as moving vehicles and unknown sounds and smells. Therefore, limiting the number of visitors and creating a fixed viewpoint is recommended to minimise disturbance. This study provides valuable input on how ecotourism activities could be developed at a seal colony without compromising the sensitive wildlife there.

Efficient data collection for camera trap‐based density estimation: A preliminary assessment

Abstract Camera traps have great potential for generating wildlife insights by providing high resolution site‐specific data. Methods of data collection and analysis reliant on these tools for population density estimation can be relatively resource intensive, hindering their mainstream adoption. Here, we explore the potential of population density estimates derived from a distance sampling method based on optics theory, which greatly simplifies the process of setting up camera sites and analysing data. Specifically, we (1) tested the method on human subjects in an artificial environment, (2) compared it to another method relying on virtual grids on images using wild populations of black‐backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and African civet (Civettictis civetta) in South Africa and (3) deployed it to estimate wild boar (Sus scrofa) population densities in Hungary. The initial human trials resulted in an estimate that was extremely close to true population density. When compared to the virtual grid method, results suggest that our distance sampling method can deliver accurate estimates with increased convenience and robustness against disruptions of the camera sites. The wild boar study resulted in a realistic density estimate, which can be used as a baseline when assessing future fluctuations in population density. As this new approach does not have special requirements for setting up camera sites, it is efficient and widely applicable across other density estimation methods requiring an estimate for effective detection distance. Additionally, the method can be applied in the retrospective analysis of existing datasets.

Population Density of Wild Animals and Their Conflict in Konasa_Pulasa Community Conserved Forest, Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia

Human-wildlife conflict presents an increasing challenge to conservation, particularly in densely populated parts of low-income countries. An investigation on wild animal population density and its conflict was carried out from December 2019 to May 2020 in the Konasa_Pulasa Community Conserved Forest, Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia: implications for wildlife conservation. The distance sampling method was used to estimate the population status of wild animals in an area of 187.57 km2. Human-wild animal conflict was quantified using a questionnaire survey with 290 randomly selected household heads from five villages. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted to obtain additional information. The mean density of the Anubis baboons was 4.51 ± 0.76, that of the grivet monkeys was 3.24 ± 0.51, that of the porcupines was 0.89 ± 0.17, that of the spotted hyenas was 0.58 ± 0.15, and that of the black-backed jackals was 0.65 ± 0.12 individuals/km2. The result shows that crop damage and livestock predation were common problems in the study area. The most damaged cereal crops were maize (26.5%). The Anubis baboon was the most common crop raiding species (34.9%). An estimated average loss of different crop types was US$15.01 per year per household. Regarding livestock, sheep (36.2%) and poultry (44.3%) were the animals most attacked. The predator responsible for livestock depredation reported most frequently was the spotted hyena (35%), followed by the black-backed jackal (24%) and the leopard (16%), and it was responsible for the loss of 271 domestic animals with an estimated economic loss of US $24,395.92 in five villages. Guarding (47.4%) was the main means of mitigation methods. Most farmers’ (47.4%) attitude towards wild animal conservation was positive. The extent of the damage varied between villages and with the distance from the forest boundary. Local people close to the forest boundaries were highly vulnerable to wild animal conflict. Our results show that livestock predation and crop damage were common problems caused by Anubis baboon, verves monkeys, porcupines, spotted hyenas, and black-backed jackals. The increase in the population of wild animals and the proximity to the forest are the causes of HWC. Guarding is the dominant traditional method used to reduce HWC in the study area. Using effective methods to reduce livestock damage and loss to crops, including improved livestock husbandry, cultivating unpalatable crops near the forest and raising local community awareness could make local residents aware of conservation.

The black-backed jackal as a seed disperser

Black-backed jackal Lupulella mesomelas consume fruits and their seeds, yet their seed dispersing ability is poorly understood. We extracted, identified and counted seeds from 150 jackal scat samples, and quantified the viability and germination capacity of ingested seeds, using tetrazolium viability tests and germination trials. We recovered 336 seeds of Grewia occidentalis, 1025 seeds of Pappea capensis, 362 seeds of Diospyros lycioides, 296 seeds of Vachellia karroo and 2 seeds of an unknown species from the scats. Seed viability and germination of three species tested (G. occidentalis, P. capensis and D. lycioides) were significantly lower than uningested seeds, but many seeds did survive ingestion by jackal and germinated successfully. Our study confirms that jackal do play a role in endozoochory and provides the first evidence of reduced germination of these dispersed seeds, broadening our understanding of the ecological role of this heavily persecuted mesopredator.

Diet of Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas, Schreber, 1775), impacts on livelihood and perceptions of farmers in Konasa Pulasa community conserved forest, omo valley of Ethiopia

BackgroundLivestock depredation by the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) occurs widely across Africa. The study on human-jackal conflict is important for conservation efforts in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to investigate the diet of black-backed jackals, to understand their predation effects on domestic livestock and perceptions of farmers’ in the Konasa-Pulasa Community Conserved Forest, Omo Valley of Ethiopia. The study was conducted using scat analysis, questionnaire survey and Focus Group Discussion methods. Livestock depredation and the economic impact of farmers were assessed among 290 randomly selected households. A total of 90 scat samples were collected and analyzed during the dry and wet seasons to identify the diet of jackals.ResultsA total of 624 domestic animals have been lost in the last 5 years (2016–2020). The estimated economic cost of domestic animals lost due to predation by jackals was US $18,180.0 in the last five years, and US $12.5 per year per household. The major diet composition of jackals was of domestic animal origin (45.5%), followed by wild animals (30.8%) in both the dry and wet seasons. However, more prey diversity was recorded during the wet season. The respondents revealed that the causes of black-backed jackal conflict in the study area were higher due to increasing jackal population size (40%). The major traditional mitigation method was guarding (42%). Most of the respondents (48.2%) had negative perceptions towards the conservation of black-backed jackals.ConclusionLivestock depredations by black-backed jackals were the major issue of conflict in the study area. Scat analysis showed that large percentage of domestic animal species remain in the scat of jackals. Livestock losses caused by jackals represent an economic concern for livestock owners in the area. Local people close to the forest boundary were highly vulnerable to domestic animal loss due to predation by jackals. Therefore, improved livestock husbandry methods will be implemented by the local people for effective jackal conservation in Konasa-Pulasa Community Conserved Forest. Understanding the ecological and social dimensions of conflict situations in the area may have important ecological and management implications for the country.

Co-occurrence of black-backed jackal and caracal in the Karoo, South Africa

Livestock production in drylands has greatly altered ecosystem level processes, including the interactions between sympatric species. Management of livestock predation on farms requires an acute understanding of predator species' ecology, including their intraguild interactions. In this study, we used camera trapping to investigate black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) and caracal (Caracal) spatiotemporal overlap on different land-uses (viz., public and private protected areas, and a neighbouring group of small-livestock farms) in the Karoo, South Africa. We also used questionnaires to understand how local small-livestock farmers perceive factors influencing changes in the abundance of black-backed jackal and caracal and the trophic relationship between them. Black-backed jackal and caracal spatiotemporal overlap was high, largely independent of land-use, and positively influenced by the presence of the other species. Black-backed jackal had higher overall occurrence than caracal, and caracal were more likely to occur on farmland than either protected area. Farmers acknowledged that mesopredators may benefit from the absence of apex predators on farmlands and that black-backed jackal populations had increased more than caracal in recent times. However, farmers were less certain as to how mesopredators interact, whether they suppress one another and how their interactions may influence the perceived increase in both species’ abundance.

Ecological gatekeeping: Black-backed jackals are left to crave carrion in absence of large facultative scavengers

Carrion removal is a key ecological function of scavengers, and they promptly dispose of carcasses in those large African conservation areas where predator assemblages remain intact. Despite its species richness, the grassland biome is critically threatened in southern Africa, and the predator assemblage is no longer intact in most of the biome. We used camera traps to monitor scavenger activity at five blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) carcasses on the Telperion Nature Reserve, characterized by rocky highveld grassland. We found that, in absence of larger vertebrate scavengers, black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) were unable to access fresh blue wildebeest carcasses, gaining access only once invertebrate action opened the skin. We also observed black-backed jackals eating flies accumulating on grass near to carcasses. These observations show that the avenues of resource provisioning by carcasses are not limited to direct carrion consumption. Moreover, they raise questions about potentially important cascading effects of not having intact predator assemblages, in smaller conservation areas.

Fecal microbiota of the synanthropic golden jackal (Canis aureus)

The golden jackal (Canis aureus), is a medium canid carnivore widespread throughout the Mediterranean region and expanding into Europe. This species thrives near human settlements and is implicated in zoonoses such as rabies. This study explores for the first time, the golden jackal fecal microbiota. We analyzed 111 fecal samples of wild golden jackals using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing the connection of the microbiome to animal characteristics, burden of pathogens and geographic and climate characteristics. We further compared the fecal microbiota of the golden jackal to the black-backed jackal and domestic dog. We found that the golden jackal fecal microbiota is dominated by the phyla Bacteroidota, Fusobacteriota and Firmicutes. The golden jackal fecal microbiota was associated with different variables, including geographic region, age-class, exposure to rabies oral vaccine, fecal parasites and toxoplasmosis. A remarkable variation in the relative abundance of different taxa was also found associated with different variables, such as age-class. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis found abundance of specific taxons in each region, Megasphaera genus in group 1, Megamonas genus in group 2 and Bacteroides coprocola species in group 3. We also found a different composition between the fecal microbiota of the golden jackal, blacked-backed jackal and the domestic dog. Furthermore, LEfSe analysis found abundance of Fusobacterium and Bacteroides genera in the golden jackal, Clostridia class in blacked-backed jackal and Megamonas genus in domestic dog. The golden jackal fecal microbiota is influenced by multiple factors including host traits and pathogen burden. The characterization of the microbiota of this thriving species may aid in mapping its spread and proximity to human settlements. Moreover, understanding the jackal microbiota could inform the study of potential animal and human health risks and inform control measures.

When wildlife comes to town: interaction of sylvatic and domestic host animals in transmission of Echinococcus spp. in Namibia.

The present study was conducted in the isolated desert town of Oranjemund in the far south of Namibia. It is an extremely arid region where no livestock husbandry is practiced and only animals adapted to the desert can be found. However, in and around the city, artificial irrigation maintains lush green patches of grass that attract wild animals, in particular oryx antelopes (Oryx gazella). In 2015 four oryx antelopes were euthanised due to poor conditions and a post-mortem examination was conducted. Two were found positive for cystic echinococcosis and 16 cysts were collected for molecular analyses. In addition, faecal samples from black-backed jackals (n=5) and domestic dogs (n=9), which were regularly observed to feed on oryx carcasses, were collected and taeniid eggs isolated. Parasite species identification of the cysts and eggs was done by amplifying and sequencing the mitochondrial nad1 gene. Both oryx antelopes were found infected with E. ortleppi and one co-infected with E. canadensis G6/7. Both Echinococcus species were able to develop fertile cysts in oryx, making oryx antelopes competent hosts for these parasites. Therefore, the analysis of faecal samples was of high interest and although the numbers were quite small, taeniid eggs were found in three out of five faecal samples of jackals and in all nine dog samples. However, species determination was only successful with two jackal and one dog sample. All three were positive for E. canadensis G6/7. The absence of E. ortleppi may be due to the low number of faecal samples examined. In our small study, we discovered a rather unique lifecycle of Echinococcus spp. between jackals and domestic dogs as definitive hosts and oryx antelopes as intermediate hosts. Here, the presence of E. canadensis G6/7 is of particular concern, as it is the second most important causative agent of CE in humans.

Ecology, opportunity or threat? Drivers of the caracal (Caracal caracal) population decline in South Africa

AbstractAnecdotal evidence suggests that there is interspecific competition between black‐backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and caracal (Caracal caracal) on farmland in South Africa. Home range data were used across both years (1983–2016) and provinces, as well as polynomial interpolation, to quantitatively assess changes in the population of caracal and black‐backed jackal over time. The jackal abundance estimates had low uncertainty, while the caracal data had high uncertainty. A Gaussian model of interspecific competition was developed, using the properties of the Gaussian model and the more reliable jackal abundance data to reduce the uncertainty associated with the caracal data. It was found that caracals have actually declined in South Africa over the past few decades. Caracals are both beneficial to society in terms of trade and other uses and a threat to farmers in terms of livestock predation. To explore the drivers for hunting further, a predator–prey model was developed. The model found that killing for trade is not the main driver for declines in caracal numbers. However, reducing the persecution of caracal on farmland actually stabilises the number of black‐backed jackal, resulting in ‘win–win’ outcomes for both farmers and caracal. A concerted Africa‐wide response to caracal declines is needed.

Estimating mesocarnivore abundance on commercial farmland using distance sampling with camera traps

AbstractMesocarnivores are of particular interest in wildlife management. Their adaptability makes them a focus of public attention globally, as negative interactions with people occur regularly, but their importance to wider ecosystem function is increasingly apparent. Robust methods for estimating mesocarnivore densities are essential for long‐term management strategies. Estimating densities of unmarked populations remains challenging, but new methods, based on camera trapping, have recently become available and require field testing.We conducted two camera trap surveys over two 200 km2areas of commercial farmland in South Africa. One survey sampled 25 locations, while the second used a migrating grid to sample 59 locations; total sampling effort was similar across the two surveys. We applied distance sampling with camera traps (CTDS), developing a method to estimate animal distances by applying a distance measurement overlay grid to camera trap images.We aimed to establish meaningful density estimates of the mesocarnivore guild and evaluate CTDS's suitability for broader use with these types of species. We obtained density estimates for four carnivores, African civetCivettictis civetta, black‐backed jackalCanis mesomelas, brown hyenaHyaena brunneaand caracalCaracal caracal, providing valuable insight into their status in commercial farmland. Imprecision in the estimates was almost exclusively due to encounter rate variance, which was not reduced with the migrating camera grid.We explored the sensitivity of our results to assumptions determining the value of the ‘snapshot interval’, demonstrating that careful selection of this parameter is vital to ensuring reliable estimates when using rapid‐fire photo burst modes.CTDS can provide useful density estimates for mesocarnivores, but future studies should aim to maximize precision and reliability by increasing sampling locations. More studies are required in areas with known densities to promote confidence in accuracy.

Shepherding is not a shot in the dark: evidence of low predation losses from the Northern Cape province of South Africa

Predation threatens the viability of livestock farming, while lethal predator management can negatively influence wildlife ecology. There is renewed interest in non-lethal vs lethal methods of livestock protection, but a systematic comparison is lacking. Using multivariate models, we explored how predator management (shepherd, no shepherd), land tenure, flock characteristics, and environmental factors drive losses of small livestock across the Northern Cape, South Africa. Black-backed jackal and caracal were the dominant livestock predators in both management groups. Predation of small livestock was five-fold lower in the shepherd (1.29% ± 0.38) compared to the non-shepherd group (6.09% ± 0.51; p < 0.0001), with a seven-fold lower-level of lamb predation (1.67% ± 0.51 vs. 11.52% ± 0.99; p < 0.0001). Predator management, livestock type, and flock size (but not land tenure or environmental factors) were predictor variables in a best-fit linear mixed effects model describing small livestock losses (p < 0.0001). We interpret our findings with caution because we could not control for predator and prey abundances, and the non-herder group could have inflated their predation estimates. While the efficacy of shepherding requires more research, we suggest that it is a viable predation management approach in South Africa and beyond.

Diet of the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) and Silver-Backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas) in the Southern Part of the Serengeti Ecosystem, Tanzania: A Comparative Study

Habitat and food resource partitioning are predicted to facilitate the coexistence of similar-sized carnivores. The golden jackal (Canis aureus) and silver-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) are similar-sized canids that respectively inhabit grassland and woodland in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania. As information on the diet and food-intake of these two species in this ecosystem is limited, we aimed to compare the diet and food-intake of these canids in the wet and dry seasons, using data from focal samples of foraging behaviour and scat analysis. We predicted dietary differences between these species, seasonal differences within species and peak food intake when breeding. Result of a logistic regression considering insect and small mammal remains in scats revealed dietary differences both between species and within-species seasonal differences. Results of a censored regression model on the estimated weigh of food intake by foraging individuals indicated that intake was highest during the breeding season of each species, which occurs in the wet season in golden jackals and the dry-season in silver-backed jackals. Our study provides new insights on differences in the foraging ecology of these two jackal species in the Serengeti ecosystem.&#x0D; Keywords: Canis aureus; Canis mesomelas, diet, Serengeti ecosystem, seasons

Population genetics of a lethally managed medium‐sized predator

AbstractGlobally, levels of human–wildlife conflict are increasing as a direct consequence of the expansion of people into natural areas resulting in competition with wildlife for food and other resources. By being forced into increasingly smaller pockets of suitable habitat, many animal species are at risk of becoming susceptible to loss of genetic diversity, inbreeding depression and the associated inability to adapt to environmental changes. Predators are often lethally controlled due to their threat to livestock. Predators such as jackals (black backed, golden and side striped; Canis mesomelas, C. aureus and C. adustus, respectively), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (C. latrans) are highly adaptable and may respond to ongoing persecution through compensatory reproduction such as reproducing at a younger age, producing larger litters and/or compensatory immigration including dispersal into vacant territories. Despite decades of lethal management, jackals are problematic predators of livestock in South Africa and, although considered a temporary measure, culling of jackals is still common. Culling may affect social groups, kinship structure, reproductive strategies and sex‐biased dispersal in this species. Here, we investigated genetic structure, variation and relatedness of 178 culled jackals on private small‐livestock farms in the central Karoo of South Africa using 13 microsatellites. Genetic variation was moderate to high and was similar per year and per farm. An absence of genetic differentiation was observed based on STRUCTURE, principal component analysis and AMOVA. Relatedness was significantly higher within farms (r = 0.189) than between farms (r = 0.077), a result corroborated by spatial autocorrelation analysis. We documented 18 occurrences of dispersal events where full siblings were detected on different farms (range: 0.78–42.93 km). Distance between identified parent–offspring varied from 0 to 36.49 km. No evidence for sex‐biased dispersal was found. Our results suggest that in response to ongoing lethal management, this population is most likely able to maintain genetic diversity through physiological and behavioural compensation mechanisms.