Feral Dogs Research Articles

Identifying Zoonotic Parasites in Domiciled and Non-Domiciled Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) Within an Urban Zone of the Eastern State of Mexico.

There are over 42 million dogs in Mexico, with a significant population living on the streets, especially in the State of Mexico. These dogs can act as carriers of zoonotic pathogens, placing children and individuals with chronic diseases or immunodeficiencies at risk. To evaluate the prevalence of zoonotic parasites in feral and domestic dogs in the urban area of the eastern State of Mexico and assess their potential impact on public health. The study was conducted from July 2022 to March 2023 in the urban area located in the eastern region of the State of Mexico. A total of 134 samples of dog faces were collected through convenience sampling, from both domiciled and non-domiciled dogs. Fifty-one dogs were identified with Ancylostomatidae family (38.1%, 95% CI: 27.0%-52.1%), 10 with Toxocara spp. (7.5%, 95% CI: 3.6%-13.3%), 7 with Dipylidium caninum (5.5%, 95% CI: 2.1%-10.5%), 8 with Cystoisospora spp. (6.0%, 95% CI: 2.6%-11.4%), 6 with Giardia spp. (4.5%, 95% CI: 1.7-9.5%) and 2 positive cases for Hymenolepis spp. (1.5%, 95% CI: 0.2%-5.3%) were identified. This study highlights a public health concern related to non-domiciled dogs, which can serve as carriers of zoonotic parasites. Interactions among non-domiciled dogs, domiciled dogs and humans heighten the risk of transmission. Implementing prevention, control and awareness strategies is crucial to reduce the spread of these parasites.

Combatting rabies outbreaks in Vietnam: High time to enforce restrictions on dog meat farming, a key source of transmission

In Vietnam, farming dogs for meat is not illegal but is increasingly marginalized as dog meat consumption comes under heightened social scrutiny. This loosely regulated practice likely increases the risk of rabies transmission to humans. At a time when human-wildlife conflict has become a major discussion point for global health, stray dogs escaping or being deliberately released from dog farms is a cause for serious concern. The first half of 2024 saw a significant spike in incidence of human rabies cases, occurring in not just rural hot spots but also urban conurbations. Bites from rabid feral dogs are the primary source of infection, the distribution of which often clusters in the vicinity of battery farms or slaughter houses that have recently downscaled or closed their business. Addressing this risk requires pursuing a One Health strategy that focuses on catching and euthanizing rabid dogs, vaccinating healthy dogs, implementing safety measures during dog slaughtering, and regulating dog meat trade. By robust enforcement of this comprehensive plan, it is hoped to prevent rabies outbreaks and protect public health. Already, Hanoi is taking a lead in introducing measures to avert a rabies crisis in the Vietnamese capital.

A first insight into seropositivity and risk factors for Brucella spp. and Coxiella burnetii in free-roaming dogs in Ecuador

Brucellosis and Q fever are two bacterial zoonoses caused by Brucella spp. and Coxiella burnetii, respectively. Dogs are reservoirs of these pathogens and play an important role in their spread. In this research, we determined the seroprevalence of antibodies against Brucella spp. and C. burnetii in free-roaming dogs from Ecuador and conducted a statistical analysis based on geographical variables. Serum samples were collected from 397 free-roaming dogs between November 2018 and May 2019 and analyzed with commercial ELISA tests for Brucella spp. and Q fever. An overall seroprevalence of 2.8 % (CI: 95 %, 0.0–6.2 %) and 1.8 % (CI: 95 %, 0.0–5.6 %) was found for Brucella spp. and C. burnetii, respectively. No statistical differences in seroprevalence values were found between geographical regions in Ecuador or between dogs from rural or urban settings, except for the association of C. burnetii infection with the Coastal Region. This is the first study of this kind in Ecuador and points out the need for a One Health approach for control and surveillance of zoonotic diseases like brucellosis and Q fever including feral and stray dogs as reservoirs to spread those pathogens to cattle, humans, or wildlife.

Os cães ferais e seus impactos no meio ambiente

A feral dog is an animal that was domestic and began to live in a wild environment, either due to abandonment or escape. They have no food, water or veterinary care providers. In this way, they recover their wild instincts, depending on their own hunting and survival, which causes an impact on the environment, thus affecting animal and human health. The objective of this study was to review the impacts of wild dogs on environmental health and humans. The present work refers to a bibliographical review survey and analysis of works researched electronically through online databases. Veterinary medicine literature works in English and Portuguese, published between 1975 to 2023, were selected. Because they are large predators in nature, feral dogs have an impact on wildlife. They cause physical and temporal displacement, disturbance and response to stress in the fauna, harming the lives of the animals that live there, reducing the amount of functionally available environment that offers them food, reproduction and rest, in addition to water contamination and mortality of other species, whether direct (predation) or indirect (transmission of pathogens). These dogs compete for the same environment as those that live there, so animal activity decreases to avoid contact with dogs. They can participate in the transmission of various pathogens to humans and wild animals, such as giardiasis, distemper, parvovirus, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, scabies, and they are a reservoir for rabies. They can cause accidents due to bites and risk hybridization with other species. The impacts of feral dogs should be better discussed and studied, and management strategies must be created, including programs to prevent the species from breeding in an unregulated manner. Preventive measures must be taken to avoid a greater impact in the future.

Evidence of Incomplete Feeding Behaviors among South Carolina Tick Populations.

Dynamic environmental conditions, such as climate change and host availability, have greatly influenced the expansion of medically relevant tick vectors into new regions throughout the southeastern United States of America. As tick populations migrate into new areas, it has been suggested they can exhibit a phenomenon known as incomplete feeding. With this phenomenon, tick vectors feed on more than one host at each life stage, thus increasing the likelihood of pathogen transmission. Although this behavior is not well understood, it presents an important threat to human health. Here we present evidence of incomplete feeding behaviors in multiple tick species in South Carolina. Engorged, blood-fed female ticks were collected from feral dogs at animal shelters across South Carolina in 2022. All ticks were tested for human blood meals using rapid stain identification blood tests. Approximately one third (33.78%) of all ticks tested positive for a human blood meal, with various patterns seen across species, geographic location, and collection month. The results of this pilot study follow the current national trend of increasing rates of tick-borne disease incidence in the southeastern United States of America and warrant further investigation into the relationship between seasonality, geographic distribution, species, and incomplete feeding among tick populations in South Carolina.

Marked genetic diversity within Blastocystis in Australian wildlife revealed using a next generation sequencing–phylogenetic approach

Blastocystis is a genus of intestinal stramenopiles that infect vertebrates, and may cause disease of the alimentary tract. Currently, at least 40 genotypes (“subtypes”) of Blastocystis are recognised worldwide based on sequence data for the small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene. Despite the numerous studies of Blastocystis worldwide, very few studies have explored Blastocystis in wild animals, particularly in Australia. Here, we used a PCR-based next generation sequencing (NGS)–phylogenetic approach to genetically characterise and classify Blastocystis variants from selected wildlife in the Australian state of Victoria. In total, 1658 faecal samples were collected from nine host species, including eastern grey kangaroo, swamp wallaby, common wombat, deer, European rabbit, canines and emu. Genomic DNA was extracted from these samples, a 500 bp region of the SSU-rRNA gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and, then, a subset of samples sequenced using Illumina technology. Primary PCR detected Blastocystis in 482 of the 1658 samples (29%), with the highest percentage in fallow deer (63%). Subsequent, Illumina-based sequencing of a subset of 356 samples revealed 55 distinct amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) representing seven currently-recognised subtypes (STs) [ST13 (prominent in marsupials), ST10, ST14, ST21, ST23, ST24 and ST25 (prominent in deer)] and two novel STs (ST45 and ST46) in marsupials. Mixed infections of different STs were observed in macropods, deer, emu and canids (fox, feral dog or dingo), but no infection was detected in rabbits or wombats. This study reveals marked genetic diversity within Blastocystis in a small number of species of wild animals in Australia, suggesting complexity in the genetic composition and transmission patterns of members of the genus Blastocystis in this country.

An occupancy analysis of the factors affecting the presence of carnivores at the national park‐human community interface in Rwanda

AbstractPeople, livestock and carnivores are constantly interacting especially at the interface between community and protected areas. The carnivore guild category in Volcanoes National Park is important, and if well studied, could lead to additional research opportunities for improved wildlife management. We used single season occupancy models with multi‐species data, to understand the factors affecting species occurrence, detection and distribution among native carnivores of Volcanoes National Park while accounting for imperfect detection and the effects of site variables on the observed trends. Our findings showed that six native carnivores use the park edge, where the side‐striped jackal (Canis adustus) and serval (Leptailurus serval) are the most widespread with ψ = 0.904 (SE 0.051) and ψ = 0.415 (SE 0.086), respectively, followed by African golden cat (Caracal aurata) with ψ = 0.198 (SE 0.066), while the servaline genet (Genetta servalina), slender mongoose (Herpestes sanguineus) and spotted hyaena (Crocuta Crocuta) have very low probability of occupancy with ψ = 0.087 (SE 0.045), ψ = 0.044 (SE 0.032) and ψ = 0.022 (SE 0.022) respectively. In addition, there is high occurrence of feral dogs and human presence in the park edge. Overall, the occupancy of native carnivores increases as distance from settlements increase (β = 0.559 [SE 0.195]) except for hyaena and mongoose which showed a decrease in occupancy as distance to settlements increased. In general, native carnivores preferred sites located close to pasture areas, compared to areas used for agriculture and agroforestry. High overlapping activity between native carnivores and other wildlife varied greatly between species. This study provides the baseline information for the understanding of native carnivores using the park edge and insights on their interactions with other wildlife, livestock and human activities at the interface between the park and local communities. The co‐occurrence of livestock, feral dogs and humans, and native wildlife is a challenge for both wildlife conservation inside the protected area and local communities who might be negatively affected in different ways including interspecific competition, disease exposure and increased conflicts. We anticipate that some of the current livestock keeping are hindered by the challenges of having native carnivores dwelling along the park edge and community interface.

Chital's call: An appeal for conservation strategies in the forest of the Institute of Forestry, Hetauda, Nepal

The chital, Axis axis, constitutes one of Nepal's six deer species and maintains a closed population within the forest of the Institute of Forestry, Hetauda Campus. Presently, the chital population faces a range of challenges, prompting a comprehensive study encompassing population status, habitat preference analysis, and threat assessment. We utilized the pellet group count method on 74 systematic random sample plots (4×4m) within a 100×100 m grid for population estimation. Pellet presence/absence in predetermined habitat characteristics was analyzed to assess habitat preferences. Concurrently, a relative threat ranking method from household interviews was employed to evaluate existing threats. The study revealed a total chital population estimate of approximately 141 individuals, with a population density of 190 individuals per km2. Their habitat preference showed an affinity towards areas abundant in Sal and riverine forests, along with an inclination towards locations further from roads within the forested areas. Primary threats to the chital population encompassed attacks from feral dogs, illegal hunting, and habitat degradation mainly due to invasive alien plant species. This study shows that with effective management of the feral dogs, mitigation strategy to control illegal hunting with the help of local authorities, and improving the habitat conditions concerning their preferences, the chital population has the potential to continue growing in the coming years.

Food Habits of Feral Dogs and Red Foxes in a New Endemic Area of Echinococcus multilocularis

Food Habits of Feral Dogs and Red Foxes in a New Endemic Area of Echinococcus multilocularis

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in street dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) with highlights on zoonosis in Lalitpur, Nepal.

The presence of intestinal parasites influences the growth and well-being of canids. Additionally, infected dogs and their faeces with considerably higher eggs/oocysts released per gram (epg/opg) of zoonotic parasites contribute to parasitic spillover to humans, domestic animals and sympatric wildlife. The current study aimed to reveal the prevalence of intestinal parasites (protozoa and helminths) and to list the zoonotically significant parasites in free-roaming street dogs in Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Nepal. Fresh faecal samples (n=332) were collected from feral dogs of varying ages and sexes and transported to the research laboratory. The copro microscopic examination was carried out via direct wet mount, formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation, saturated salt flotation, acid-fast staining and sporulation techniques. Coproscopy revealed an overall 95.7% (318/332) prevalence rate with 23 diverse species of intestinal parasites (10 protozoa and 13 helminths). Among them, 5 protozoa and 11 helminths possessed zoonotic potential, and their overall prevalence was 92.5%. Helminth's overall prevalence was double that of the protozoa (87.7% vs. 43%). Polyparasitism was dominant over mono parasitism (79.5% vs. 16.3%), and co-infection of up to seven species of parasites at a time was recorded. Urban street dogs harboured a higher prevalence of intestinal parasites that varied with age and sex. Since most of the reported parasites are zoonotic, dog density and parasitic richness indicate a greater spillover risk to humans and domestic animals. Furthermore, this study also provides appropriate 'baseline' data for assessing effective control measures against parasitic infestations among street dogs and controlling their transmission to humans.

Presence of Echinococcus granulosussensulato in the endoparasitic fauna of feral dogs in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

The feral dog population from Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) has affected provincial sheep production, and is responsible for the decrease of 43% of the sheep stock. In addition, feral dogs preys on the native fauna, especially the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), a species protected by law. Except for some data on the aforementioned impact, very little is known about feral dogs features in this region, such as distribution, abundance, diet, reproduction, health status, among others. Therefore, a descriptive observational study was carried out in the period 2018-2021 in Tierra del Fuego, with the aim to recognize the endoparasitic fauna of these dogs, with emphasis on Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.). Feces samples were collected from 83 feral dogs captured in 15 farms, which were evaluated using flotation and sedimentation coproparasitological techniques, and optical microscope observation. These qualitative methods showed that 66.3% of the samples were positive. Nine parasitic forms were found, including eggs of taenids, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina, and Sarcocystis spp. oocysts and Giardia spp. cysts. Samples with more than one parasitic form were also observed, among which the Taenia/Sarcocystis spp. association was the most frequent. For the diagnosis of canine echinococcosis, the detection of Echinococcus spp. antigens by Copro-ELISA and the molecular confirmation by Copro-PCR were performed. The Copro-ELISA test was positive in 10/80 (12.5%) of the samples processed, while 11 samples (13.8%) were positive by Copro-PCR. Their distribution showed that 9 (81.8%) corresponded to farms with sheep farming, and 2 (18.2%) with cattle farming. The presence of E. granulosus s.l. in feral dogs from Tierra del Fuego is the most relevant finding in this study. These results confirm that feral dogs have access to viscera infected with hydatid cysts. However, the intermediate hosts involved (sheep, cattle or guanacos) should be investigated. Its impact on the transmission of cystic echinococcosis in this region should be evaluated, as well as the adequacy of the disease prevention and control actions implemented in Tierra del Fuego should be considered. Finally, the existence of a wild cycle of the disease should be evaluated, in which feral dogs would act as a source of infection for other animals and humans.

Observations on cooperative fishing, use of bait for hunting, propensity for marigold flowers and sentient behaviour in Mugger Crocodiles Crocodylus palustris (Lesson, 1831) of river Savitri at Mahad, Maharashtra, India

As far as animal cognition is concerned, in comparison with mammals and birds, reptiles have been underestimated and research in reptilian cognition hasn’t progressed much due to this bias. Though crocodiles are generally stereotyped as lethargic and lacking social interactions except for territoriality, parental care and prey ambush, they demonstrate discrete behavioural repertoire in a variety of situations suggestive of refined cognition. The observations presented here were recorded during a long-term study on Muggers Crocodylus palustris of Savitri River in Maharashtra, and indicate social behaviour of remarkable acuity among Muggers to optimize foraging, which clearly hints at cooperative fishing. Also, on many occasions here, the Muggers were seen to have sticks on their snouts or lay still in the vicinity of floating twigs presumably to lure birds that desperately scouted for nesting material; though only on one occasion the unsuspecting bird was ambushed successfully. Flight initiation distances (FID) of birds that forage and nest in crocodilian habitat have been measured to assess their wariness towards crocodile’s presence. We report the attraction of free ranging Muggers here to the yellow Marigold Tagetes erecta flowers. We also remark on apparent sentience involving a dog that was chased into the river by a pack of feral dogs, the ‘aquatic refugee’ having been seemingly nudged and escorted to safety of the bank by crocodiles. All these behaviours are discussed in the light of previous reports involving other crocodilian species elsewhere, to assess the cognitive faculty of this species.

Genetic diversity of mtDNA in the grey wolf population of Belarus threatened by wolf-dog admixture

Hybridisation with domestic species is one of the prominent threats to conser-vation of numerous valuable species in Belarus, in particular the grey wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758), the population of which has previously shown unusually divergent genotypes, indicating a possible admixture with free-ranging dogs (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758). Such admixture could threaten the future of the species already weakened by anthropogenic pressure. Reports of hybrids in Belarus based on morphological characteristics have been steadily increasing in frequency since 2010, which can be tied with a growing food availability for feral dogs and low population density of grey wolf facili-tating hybridisation. A limited number of genetic studies with sampling that partially covered Belarus did not detect any traces of hybridisation. Here we report our estimate of genetic diversity in the Belarusian population of grey wolf according to control region (D-loop) mtDNA sequence analysis. We ana-lysed tissue samples from 35 specimens harvested during legal hunts across 25 administrative districts from all 6 regions of Belarus between 2009 and 2022, with 9 of the specimens reported to have morphological characteristics of wolf–dog hybrids. We detected 6 haplotypes among those 35 specimens, 4 of which were found among the likely wolf–dog hybrids. Clade analysis of the obtained sequences with 100 confirmed sequences of wolves, dogs, and their hybrids from the NCBI Genbank database has shown the presence of possible wolf–dog hybrids in our sample. The Belarusian wolf population has shown a low nucleotide and a relatively high haplotype diversity. The discovered genet-ic diversity data of the Belarusian wolf population is mostly in line with studies of similar wolf populations across Europe. The persistence of large wolf meta-populations across Eastern Europe and Russia, combined with the high mobility of the animal, seems to be the probable cause of genetic diversity of wolf populations in Belarus, but some degree of wolf–dog hybridisation could also explain the observed genetic heterogeneity, which invites further research based on nuclear markers.

Human–wildlife conflicts in Patagonia: ranchers’ perceptions of guanacoLama guanicoeabundance

AbstractConflicts between people and wildlife have become widespread as people move to areas previously home to wildlife and as wild populations recover. In Patagonia, one of the main threats to guanacoLama guanicoeconservation is the animosity of sheep ranchers towards the species. As key stakeholders in guanaco conservation we assessed ranchers’ perceptions regarding guanaco abundance in Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. We contrasted these perceptions with estimated guanaco abundance and explored the socio-ecological factors influencing perceptions and how perceptions of overabundance are rooted in contextual factors rather than actual abundance. We performed semi-structured interviews with ranchers from Isla Grande and estimated guanaco abundance independently using density surface modelling. Ranchers were divided into three categories depending on their perception of guanaco abundance: ‘too many’, ‘many’ and ‘normal’. Those in the ‘many’ and ‘normal’ categories perceived guanaco abundance as being similar to actual abundance, whereas those in the category ‘too many' overestimated guanaco abundance. The perceived issues affecting livestock production varied between categories, although feral dogs emerged as the main problem. Negative perceptions of the guanaco stemmed from ranchers' beliefs that the species reduces forage availability for livestock, and from their disappointment about the government's handling of concerns regarding livestock production. Greater understanding and integration of the human dimension in conservation are needed to design more inclusive and resilient management plans.

인도적 들개 포획 방법 및 도구의 활용

Feral dogs are not friendly to people and are very difficult to capture, unlike stray dogs in Korea. In addition, various problems caused by feral dogs are on the rise, so capture and adoption are urgently needed, but it is difficult to capture. The use of the COLLARUM® Canine Capture Device is considered to be a very useful live capture tool in the domestic situation where it is difficult to capture feral dogs. This capture tool meets international humanitarian capture standards and is already widely used in Australia and other places where feral dogs cause ecological problems, so its effectiveness and safety have been verified. It is easy to install and move, so it is possible to install many of them in places where it is difficult to use a capture frame, such as a mountain area, which is the main wild dog habitat in Korea. As described above, COLLARUM® can be installed in almost any place, including mountainous areas, so it is possible to safely capture feral dogs as well as stray dogs, enabling effective management of abandoned animals. Therefore, it is considered to be the equipment that should be most actively considered for domestic introduction and local government distribution in order to manage the population of wild dogs and increase the capture rate.

Incidental invertebrate‐derived DNA detection of invasive and threatened species in temperate dry Southeast Australian forest

AbstractWell‐informed biodiversity conservation practice can often be precluded by poor species detectability. For example, populations being missed during surveys can lead to them being omitted from species lists or area management plans. iDNA (invertebrate‐derived DNA) is a recently developed set of techniques for improving the detectability of elusive vertebrates by exploiting their associated invertebrates. Parasitic and scavenging invertebrates can be readily collected, and their gut contents DNA barcoded to detect local vertebrate diversity. However, most iDNA surveys have targeted mammals and have been carried out in tropical areas and/or rainforests. We carried out iDNA surveys targeting frogs in temperate dry sclerophyll forests in south‐eastern Australia. We set mosquito traps broadcasting recorded frog calls with the aim of collecting frog‐biting flies, which are attracted to frog calls. We collected 156 fly specimens, although none were of frog‐biting species, and no frogs were detected via iDNA, despite many being observed in the field. However, two mammal and one reptile species were detected via iDNA: the feral cat (Felis catus: Felidae), domestic dog or dingo (Canis lupus: Canidae) and the threatened Rosenberg's monitor (Varanus rosenbergi: Varanidae). Vertebrate‐sampling flies are likely highly abundant in the area since they were collected apparently incidentally in traps lacking appropriate attractants; a promising result for further surveys is different attractants are employed. This study is one of the few in which an invasive species has been detected through iDNA, and highlights its potential for improved detectability of threatened species outside of the tropics and early detection of invasive species.

Research on the Ethology and Diet of the Stray Dog Population in the Areas Bordering the Municipality of Suceava, Romania.

This paper analyses aspects of the ethology and feeding of stray dogs in the areas bordering the city of Suceava and the nearby towns. The study area is located in the hunting grounds (HG), which are managed by the "Ștefan cel Mare" University in Suceava. Between October 2017 and April 2022, the behaviour and the types of food consumed by stray dogs captured in the outskirts of the localities in the study area were analysed. A sample of 183 stray dogs were used for the study, and the analysis established the distribution and density of the dogs in the free-range area compared to the density of the wild animals of hunting interest. The tracks and travel routes of the stray dogs were highlighted. Areas where packs of feral dogs camp were also identified. Observations were made of the individual and social behaviours of the dogs, their gregariousness and the way in which they hunt. The types of food consumed were analysed for each specimen. Through the collected and analysed data, the opportunistic predatory behaviour of the stray dogs was highlighted. Thus, stray dogs revert to the typical wild canid ways of behaving. As for food, our results showed the dogs' predilection for meat, both wild and domestic. On the other hand, the diet of roaming dogs is much more varied compared to that of wild canids. This is due to the fact that the way in which domestic dogs feed has changed over thousands of years as a result of living alongside humans.

A lifetime track of a griffon vulture: The moving story of Rehovot (Y64).

A lifetime track of a griffon vulture: The moving story of Rehovot (Y64).

Framing messages to support feral dog eradication: Both ecocentric and anthropocentric frames work

Due to their impact on biodiversity, human health, and livestock husbandry, we need to eradicate feral dogs. However, eradication usually encounters public opposition, which hinders its implementation and success. Persuasive messages could help us attain public support for feral dog eradication. We evaluated the effectiveness of two message frames to increase intentions to support eradication of feral dogs via lethal methods. Messages addressed the negative impacts of feral dogs on (1) human health and livestock husbandry (anthropocentric frame) and (2) wildlife (ecocentric frame). These frames were randomly assigned to 506 Chilean citizens and Chilean residents in a before-after survey experiment measuring attitudes, subjective norm, and behavioral intentions to support feral dog eradication via lethal methods. Both frames significantly increased behavioral intentions, attitude, and subjective norm, irrespective of participant demographics. Changes in attitude and subjective norm influenced change in intentions. Both frames can aid managers increase public support to eradicate feral dogs.

Feral dogs in Chitral gol national park, Pakistan: a potential threat to the future of threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis).

Feral dogs are well-organized hunters of ungulates in many parts of the world, causing great damage to wildlife populations and ultimately to the ecosystem. In Pakistan, the impacts of feral dogs on the wildlife have not been documented yet. In a period of fifteen years (2006-2020), feral dogs have killed hundreds of threatened markhor in Chitral gol national park (CGNP), Pakistan. Despite direct predation other impacts including disturbance and competition with other natural predators, could compromise conservation and management efforts. The population of feral dogs seems to have been increased with the increase of dumping sites by communities. Our findings suggest that there are pressing needs of controlling the feral dogs population and eradicating them from the core zone of CGNP and surrounding buffer communities. Conventional culling of dogs should be coupled with modern techniques like castration and sterilization. Communities should be educated regarding the clean environment, proper disposal of home wastes and, biodiversity conservation.