Acoustic stimulation as a tool in African wild dog conservation |
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Authors: | Robert L. Robbins E.Kim McCreery |
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Affiliation: | a Carnivore Research Unit, Private Bag WK 5941, Hwange National Park, Zimbabweb Center for Animal Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA |
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Abstract: | A 9-year study of the African wild dog, Lycaon pictus, was conducted in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, primarily in Colophospermum mopane woodland and Combretum thicket. A protocol using both playbacks and human simulations of long distance calls was developed to facilitate radio-collaring operations and data collection. Wild dogs were known to be in the area prior to each trial (n=32). Dogs approached calling stations in 84% of trials from distances up to 2-km. When dogs hooed (n=18; eight packs and one group), they approached the stimulus in all but one trial. Mean time to approach was ca. 13.9±2.6 min. (n =11 trials, range 1-56 min). Findings demonstrate that playbacks are an effective conservation tool particularly where road networks are limited and/or thick habitat restrict off-road driving. Potential application lies in park boundary areas where snaring occurs and in translocations from areas of high wild dog/human conflict to refuges. In dense habitat or less traveled areas, this technique, in conjunction with other methods, may prove useful in population surveys. |
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Keywords: | African wild dog Conservation Management Playbacks Behavior |
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