Wildlife predation by dogs in Madagascar

• Published in: Biotropica
• Main Authors: Merz, Leandra, Kshirsagar, Akhil R., Rafaliarison, Radoniaina R., Rajaonarivelo, Tsiky, Farris, Zach J., Randriana, Zoavina, Valenta, Kim
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2021
• Subjects: Canis lupus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/btp.13049; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/btp.13049; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1111/btp.13049

Abstract Human–wildlife conflicts are increasing in number and intensity making conflict mitigation and coexistence a top priority for wildlife conservation. Domesticated dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris ) can mitigate or exacerbate human–wildlife conflict leading to positive and negative impacts on both humans and wildlife. However, the human–dog–wildlife interface is not well understood, particularly in biodiversity hot spots. Madagascar is a tropical biodiversity hot spot with many rare and threatened species of high conservation concern. Here we assess wildlife predation by free‐roaming dogs in communities surrounding Andasibe–Mantadia and Ranomafana National Parks in eastern Madagascar using surveys of dog owners living adjacent to protected areas. Nearly half of survey respondents reported that their dog(s) had killed wildlife. Dogs that spent more time away from home, that traveled to the forest more frequently, that had killed domestic livestock, and that were owned for hunting were more likely to have killed wildlife. Dogs that were fed were approximately 20% less likely to have killed wildlife than dogs that were not fed. Keeping dogs restrained more often and providing food are therefore likely to reduce wildlife predation by dogs provided these are socially acceptable options. Additionally, we found spatial variation in wildlife predation by dogs both between and within our two study regions. These results can help conservation organizations develop targeted, effective interventions appropriately tailored to the local context and prioritize specific areas with higher wildlife predation by dogs. Abstract in French is available with online material.