Doctor of Philosophy / The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores. Previous research into this species has focussed on the largest extant populations in Africa. However, there are a large number of relatively small populations (20 to 50 dogs) distributed across Africa, which represent an important component of the diversity of the species and its remaining habitat. This study investigated the status of a small population of wild dogs in the Lower Zambezi area in Zambia. Objectives focussed on assessing population dynamics and identifying causes of decline. Research was carried out over a broad range of topics in an effort to provide comprehensive information for conservation management of the population. The scope of the project was divided into five sections: 1) Demography and pack dynamics were assessed to identify the structure and status of the population, and the main causes of mortality. 2) An assessment of habitat types and related ecological factors was carried out to determine wild dog habitat utilisation in relation to vegetation type, prey densities and hunting success in each area. 3) The effects of interpredator competition on wild dog population dynamics was investigated, specifically, the effects of lions (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta). 4) Genetic analyses were carried out to assess the historic and contemporary genetic variability of the population, and to define patterns of geographic structuring and population differentiation. 5) Results were combined to assess the viability of the population and recommend conservation management strategies. Snaring was identified as the most important cause of adult mortality, and a threat to wild dog population persistence. Inbreeding avoidance led to the emigration of adult males and females from the area and appeared to be a substantial contributor to population decline. Limited mate selection corresponded with neither sex displaying philopatry and large dispersal distances effectively removed adults from the population. This result has important implications for the management of small populations, whereby lack of mate choice may increase dispersal distances and thereby increase edge effects on populations, regardless of home range sizes. Home range sizes were related to den locations in remote areas of the Zambian Escarpment, which was used as a breeding refuge area. The Zambezi River and Zambian Escarpment appeared to be effective barriers to wild dog home range movements. The study area contained a diversity of habitats on the alluvial terraces of the river valley floor. There was a high density of impala (Aeypceros melampus), which formed the main prey base for the wild dog population. Studies of other populations have found that wild dogs often avoided areas with high competing predator densities, which corresponded with high prey density areas. In contrast to those findings, the Lower Zambezi wild dog population showed a strong preference for high prey density areas. This population also showed only temporal avoidance of high lion density areas. Low lion density areas were preferred during breeding periods, while moderate to high lion density areas were preferred during non-breeding periods. Direct predation of adult wild dogs by lion and spotted hyaenas was rare. Kleptoparasitism of wild dog kills by either competing predator species was also rare. Predator competition was not considered to be an important determinant of population decline. The Lower Zambezi population suffered from a loss of heterozygosity, low allelic richness, and there was significant evidence of a recent population bottleneck. The population did not contain any new mtDNA haplotypes, nor any unique alleles on the commonly used microsatellite loci, but was differentiated from African wild dog populations in other regions. There was evidence of historical and recent gene flow between the Lower Zambezi and the neighbouring southern African populations of Hwange and Okavango. This was the first study to show a loss of genetic variability in a free-ranging African wild dog population. Although more immediate anthropogenic and demographic factors were the critical determinants of population decline, the loss of genetic variability has important implications for the conservation of the remaining small and fragmented wild dog populations in Africa. Results showed that due to its small size the population is likely to have suffered from inverse density dependence and Allee effects on dispersal and reproductive success. Management recommendations focussed on mitigating anthropogenic causes of mortality, and improving connectivity with a larger, potential source population to increase the probability of successful dispersal and to restore genetic diversity. The high density prey base, small home range sizes and low levels of interpredator competition detected in this study suggest that the area has the capacity to support a large and potentially viable population of wild dogs if appropriate management strategies are implemented.

African wild dog Lycaon pictus populations are declining and the species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. The Kruger National Park (KNP) is home to the only viable population of wild dogs in South Africa, but census results reveal consistently low numbers since the late 1990s. Wild dogs display wide-ranging behaviour and it is possible that the species might frequently use unprotected lands adjacent to the KNP. However, very little is known about wild dog movements beyond the boundaries of the KNP, and whether or not adjacent land owners are tolerant of the species. Significantly, threats along the boundaries may have negative consequences for the KNP population. This research investigated the dispersal habits of wild dogs beyond the western and southern boundaries of the KNP, and gathered information on human tolerance, and anthropogenic threats in an area of mixed land use. The land west of the KNP presented the best prospect for wild dog range expansion. The wild dog packs operating outside the KNP had smaller home ranges and less home range overlap than the packs operating within the KNP. In addition, my data suggested that the development of conservancies and the formation of ecotourism-based land use practices would be beneficial for wild dog conservation. Failed wild dog dispersals due to snaring and human persecution could threaten the genetic stability and persistence of the KNP population. Therefore, raising awareness and an understanding of the plight of wild dogs is important for improving land owner perception and tolerance outside of protected areas. The rapidly increasing human population continues to infringe on protected lands and fragment landscapes, thus cooperation from individual land owners is vital for the conservation of free-ranging large carnivores.

With a declining population of roughly 3000-5000 individuals in Africa, African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are one of the most endangered carnivores in the world. As the global human population expands, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that large portions of land will be set aside for conservation, especially in developing countries. Thus, recent wild dog conservation efforts in South Africa have concentrated on establishing a managed metapopulation. A metapopulation is a group of geographically isolated subpopulations of a species that are managed (using supplementation and harvesting) to mimic natural gene flow. The Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa has been identified as a potential reserve to become part of the national wild dog metapopulation. My research aimed to conduct a feasibility assessment of the long-term (~ 25 years) success of a wild dog reintroduction into the GFRNR. This assessment included biological modelling of wild dogs and their expected prey, and determining the potential anthropogenic threats to wild dogs on the private and communal land surrounding the reserve. I used VORTEX population modelling and determined that the GFRNR is likely to have a wild dog carrying capacity of ~22 individuals. Using a 25-year modelling simulation, the most appropriate wild dog reintroduction scenario would be to reintroduce six females and four males initially and supplement the population with one female and two males in years 3, 10, 15 and 23. In addition, the harvesting/removal of one male and one female in years 10 and 20 would be required to ensure 100% population persistence and adequate genetic diversity. Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) are expected to be the two most important prey species for reintroduced wild dogs in the GFRNR. Furthermore, wild dogs are likely to prefer the north-western and south-western sectors of the reserve because of the relatively high prey densities in these areas. However, regular monitoring of both the potential prey and the wild dog populations is essential to ensure persistence of the wild dogs and to prevent prey populations decreasing precipitously. Using structured questionnaire interviews (n = 128), I found that while neighbouring land owners and local communities were generally positive about the potential wild dog reintroduction (56 % of all respondents), several threats to wild dogs were identified along the reserve boundary and on the adjoining unprotected land. Some private landowners and members of rural communities around the reserve (34 %) stated that they would kill any wild dogs that dispersed onto their land. In addition, some respondents (8 %) admitted to believing in traditional uses for wild dog products (e.g. fur) which could result in the illegal killing of wild dogs outside of the GFRNR for traditional purposes. Poaching and the presence of unvaccinated domestic dogs on neighbouring land were also identified as being potential threats to a reintroduced wild dog population. However, such anthropogenic threats appear to be localised to the western and southern boundaries of the reserve. Therefore, by implementing preventative measures (such as anti-snare collars, anti-poaching patrols and vaccination against rabies and canine distemper) the likelihood of such threats occurring can be reduced. I conclude that the GFRNR can sustain a population of wild dogs and successfully contribute to South Africa‘s national metapopulation. An additional reserve will benefit the country‘s metapopulation by increasing the number of wild dogs available for translocation, thereby increasing genetic diversity and overall resilience (to environmental change, disease etc.) of South Africa‘s wild dog population. This will contribute towards the future conservation of this endangered species.

Population estimation is an important task in all wildlife conservation. Such estimations are often difficult in low-density species such as big carnivores. The painted dog (Lycaon pictus) is an endangered species and the first aim of IUCNs action plan is to assess the size and the distribution of the remaining population. This study is the first step towards a quantitative method to distinguish painted dog footprints from footprints of feral domestic dogs and hyaenas. Footprint photographs were collected and digitally processed and total pad area and angles between the digits and backpad of the paw were measured. Both the pad area and the angles show a statistically significant difference between the species. However, further analysis shows that there is no significant difference in pad area between painted dog females and domestic dog males. Size of the pads alone is therefore not suitable as a measure to determine the species from an unknown footprint. The angles between backpad and digits seem to be more suitable to distinguish between species. Therefore, a combination of pad size and the angle between backpad and digits might be useful to estimate the species from an unknown footprint in the field.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is one of the most endangered large carnivores. Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) and Savè Valley Conservancy (SVC) that hold part of the few remaining viable populations report that wild dog populations continue to decline due to high rates of habitat loss and fragmentation. This leads to low pup survival rates due to predators and reduced formation of new packs as the wild dogs have become reluctant to leave the safety of their original packs in pursuit of mating partners in fragmented habitats where higher risks of danger exist. Consequently, this reduces population growth for Lycaon pictus. Therefore, the study sought to identify additional suitable habitat for wild dog outside GNP and SVC and a corridor connecting the two areas using the ecological niche theory. Wild dog satellite collar data from the African Wildlife Conservation Fund (AWCF) was used with spatial and climate data for GNP and SVC from PeaceParks and WorldClim. This data was used to firstly, identify dens using ArcGIS 10.1. Secondly, map geographic and temporal distributions using Time Local Convex Hull (T-LoCoH). Thirdly, to assess biotic and abiotic drivers of different packs and sexes movement and distribution patterns using ARCGIS 10.1 and lastly, map probability distributions (corridor and re-location sites) using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt). Den locations are in areas away from predators and human settlements. Wild dog geographic distributions are smaller in the cold and dry seasons and differ according to sex whilst temporal distributions depend on their use of resources. The most influential biotic and abiotic variables within reserves were distance to human settlements and elevation whilst the least influential were roads and temperature. However, outside the reserves, the most influential variable was distance from reserve. Malilangwe is a potential corridor between GNP and SVC, whilst Masvingo, Beitbridge, and Mwenezi districts have suitable habitat for re-location sites. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Afrika-wildehond (Lycaon pictus) is een van die mees bedreigde groot karnivore. Gonarezhou Nationale Park (GNP) en Savè Vallei Conservancy (SVC) wat deel van die min oorblywende lewensvatbare bevolkings hou rapporteer dat wilde hond bevolkings voortgaan om te daal as gevolg van die verlies en fragmentering van habitat. Dit lei tot 'n lae pup oorlewingsyfer te danke aan predasie asook dalende vlakke van nuwe troppe. Omdat as die wilde honde het huiwerig geword om die veiligheid van hul oorspronklike troppe te verlaat in die soektog na paarmaats in gefragmenteerde habitatte waar hoër risiko van gevaar bestaan. Gevolglik verminder die bevolkingsgroei vir Lycaon pictus. Daarom onderneem die studie addisionele geskikte habitat vir wilde hond buite die GNP en SVC te vind en die stigting van 'n gang Om die twee gebiede te verbind met behulp van die ekologiese nis teorie te identifiseer. Wildehond satelliet kraag data van die African Wildlife Conservation Fund (AWCF) is gebruik met ruimtelike en klimaat data vir die GNP en SVC van PeaceParks en WorldClim. Hierdie data is gebruik om eerstens, kuile te identifiseer met behulp van ArcGIS 10.1. Tweedens, kartering van geografiese en temporale verspreiding met behulp van Time Local Convex Hull (T-LoCoH). Derdens, die ondersoek van biotiese en abioties dryfkragte van verskillende troppe pakke en geslagte bewegings en verspreidingspatrone met ArcGIS 10.1 te evalueer en laastens, kartering van waarskynlikheidsverdelings (korridor en hervestigingsgebiede) van die Maksimum Entropie (MaxEnt). Kuile is in gebiede weg van roofdiere en menslike nedersettings. Wildehond geografiese verspreiding is kleiner in die koue en droë seisoene en verskil volgens geslag, terwyl temporale verspreidings afhang van die gebruik van hulpbronne. Die mees invloedryke biotiese en abioties veranderlikes binne reserwes was die afstand vanaf menslike nedersettings en hoogte, terwyl paaie en temperatuur die laagste invloed gehad. Buite die reserwes was, die mees invloedryke veranderlike afstand vanaf reservaat. Malilangwe is 'n potensiële korridor tussen die GNP en SVC, terwyl Masvingo, Beitbridge en Mwenezi distrikte geskikte habitat bied vir hervestiging.

The African wild dog Lycaon pictus is Africa’s second most endangered carnivore. Only 14 out of 39 countries in Africa still have wild dogs present. This makes the populations of wild dogs in South Africa very valuable with respect to the entire species. Kruger National Park (Kruger) has the only self-sustaining and viable population of wild dogs in South Africa, making Kruger the core area of conservation for South African wild dogs. It is of vital importance to know the numbers of wild dogs present in Kruger. In chapter 2 of this dissertation I monitored and gathered demographic information from as many southern Kruger wild dog packs and individuals as possible over a three month period. I used real time text messaging to collect the information. A wild dog hotline number was used for tourists to contact immediately after they sighted a pack, noting location, time and number of wild dogs sighted. This new technique resulted in more than 300 reported wild dog sightings in three months enabling a count of individuals and packs. This also created an opportunity to take identification photographs and to collect DNA samples. In 1997 it was decided to establish and manage several small wild dog populations in various geographically isolated reserves in South Africa as one large managed metapopulation. In order to simulate the natural dispersal patterns of wild dogs, individuals are translocated between the managed metapopulation reserves, imitating natural gene flow and hopefully preventing inbreeding. To date, all decisions have been made using demographic data only. This in time is likely to result in a loss of genetic diversity and subsequent inbreeding. The aim of chapter 3 was to obtain genetic information from wild dogs in the managed metapopulation and Kruger (chapter 2) to provide a basis for sound population management including monitoring of inbreeding and maintaining levels of genetic diversity similar to those found in large self-sustaining populations (such as Kruger). This study included both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear microsatellite loci to determine the genetic structure of South Africa’s wild dogs specifically with regards to genetic diversity, population structure and relatedness. The results showed a difference in historical and recent diversity between the managed metapopulation and Kruger. Two genetic clusters were evident in South Africa, however one was due to wild dogs from Botswana being translocated into the managed metapopulation. After the Botswana influence was removed from the analysis, three genetic clusters were observed in the South African wild dogs. These three genetic clusters comprise too few wild dogs to manage them as separate units. Relatedness between and within populations, reserves and packs were estimated and can in future be used to guide translocations of wild dogs to maximise their genetic variability. It is suggested that due to the low numbers, and historical and recent trends in genetic structure of South Africa’s wild dogs, they should be managed as one unit, allowing movements to and from neighbouring countries. All translocations should follow an isolation-by-distance pattern. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is the second most endangered carnivore in Africa. Although several high-profile endangered species are imperiled due to poor fertility, inadequate genetic diversity, and a reliance on specific niches, the wild dog is threatened by decreasing land space and human hunting practices. Wild dogs are highly fertile with an average litter size of nine at De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre. Wild dog males have 3 million to 900 million sperm per ejaculate and 45-75% progressive motility during the breeding season. Wild dogs released into small nature reserves in South Africa experience increased survival rates due to sizeable litters, abundant prey, and increased hunting success along fence lines. Furthermore, the current demand for captive-bred wild dogs is low due to lack of demand by overseas zoos and the inability of nature reserves to accommodate more dogs. Long-acting GnRH analogues have been used for fertility control in many wildlife species. However, dosing and efficacy differ among species and individual animals. This study assessed the efficacy of the GnRH analogue, deslorelin, on reproductive parameters of male African wild dogs. Seasonal effects on reproduction were also evaluated. Captive male African wild dogs housed at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre were administered either a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant (Suprelorin,® Peptech Animal Health (Pty) Ltd, Sydney, Australia; n = 10), an experimental 9.4 mg deslorelin injection (n = 11) or a placebo injection (n = 6). Treatment was administered during the non-breeding season (Month 0), and dogs were assessed at Months 3, 5, 6, and 7. Reproductive parameters evaluated before and after treatment included: serum testosterone, testicular and prostatic volume, and semen quality. Serum testosterone was assessed with a previously validated double antibody DSL testosterone radioimmunoassay kit (Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, Inc, Webster, TX). Testicular volume was calculated from testicular dimensions measured with a calliper and prostatic volume from dimensions obtained by trans-cutaneous ultrasound. Data were analyzed with ANOVA. Although the 4.7 mg deslorelin implant was safe for use in male wild dogs, there was wide variation in efficacy among dogs. The serum testosterone of implant dogs did not decrease to baseline after treatment and only half the dogs administered an implant became azoospermic post-treatment. The experimental long-acting deslorelin injection was ineffective for contraception of male African wild dogs. All three groups of dogs experienced an improvement in reproductive parameters during the months of February through May, the rainy season in northern South Africa and the period during which female African wild dogs enter oestrus, suggesting that a breeding season not only exists in the female African dog but also in the male. Testis and prostatic volume increased, serum testosterone concentrations and semen quality improved during that time of year. Further studies of deslorelin in male wild dogs are warranted to determine the appropriate dose, pay-out pattern, delivery method, and season of delivery necessary for adequate contraception in this species. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Production Animal Studies / unrestricted

The African wild dog, second most endangered carnivore in Africa, has a well-developed, highly cooperative pack system. The usual structure of a pack consists of a dominant breeding pair, the alpha male and female, several subordinates, non-breeding adults and dependent offspring. Domestic dog microsatellites were used to study the parentage in three packs and confirm that more than one dog, including the subordinate males, can sire pups within a litter as previously suggested. The study was performed on two isolated populations of wild dogs in the North West Province of South Africa. In Madikwe Game Reserve, skin samples from 47 dogs were obtained by means of biopsy darts (adults) and skin slivers taken from the ear (subadults) and stored in absolute ethanol. In Pilanesberg National Park, blood samples from 18 captured dogs were collected in EDTA blood tubes. The wild dogs were photographed and individually identified according to coat patterns. Behavioural data to determine ranking were collected from all three packs. DNA was extracted from collected samples using proteinase-K digestion followed by isolation of DNA with phenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol. A total of 16 microsatellite loci that consistently amplified and appeared to be polymorphic in wild dogs, were used. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed using two panels of microsatellite loci in multiplex reactions. An amount of 1 µl of PCR product was loaded on to the 3130 XL Genetic Analyser with Genescan 500 LIZ (Applied Biosystems) size standard and analysed using STRand (Board of Regents, University of California) software program. CERVUS 2.0 software was used to calculate allele frequencies, expected and observed heterozygosity, frequency of null alleles, polymorphic information content and exclusion probabilities for parentage assignment. Parentage verification was also performed manually. The parentage analysis revealed that at least one pup was not sired by the alpha male in each of the five litters studied. Although previous studies suggested that the alpha male sires the majority of offspring in the pack, our results confirm that subordinate males commonly sire pups with the alpha female if and when the opportunity arises. This is possibly a mechanism to decrease the effects of inbreeding. / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Production Animal Studies / unrestricted

Two types of mathematical models incorporating several types of competition between two species of African carnivores were constructed and analysed. The heuristic model focuses on population dynamics of both carnivores and their shared prey. The individual-based model focuses on the role of habitat heterogeneity and unique features of ecology of one of the predators, using the African wild dogs and hyaenas as a case study.

The restricted geographic range and tenuous conservation status of wild dogs in South Africa were the motivating factors behind this study. Wild dogs have been extirpated from most of their historic range in South Africa, and now occur in three limited distributions: a) one viable population in Kruger National Park; b) a protected meta-population, consisting of 1 packs in six sub-populations (four on state owned reserves – Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Marakele National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, and two on privately owned reserves – Karongwe Game Reserve, and Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve), and c) ` 76 unprotected individuals in 17 packs and dispersing groups occurring outside protected areas, primarily in the game ranching areas of the extreme north and north east. Prior to the establishment of the proposed transfontier parks, the best prospects for range expansion likely exist on private land. My study investigated some of the ecological, sociological and economic issues associated with wild dog conservation on private land under various scenarios. Over the last few years, the focus of conservation efforts and donor funding expenditure (72.6% of funding) has been the establishment of the meta-population. This been effective – the target size (nine packs) of the meta-population has been exceeded in six years, four years less than the targeted schedule (10 years). From here, there are two ways in which donor funding might be used to achieve further range expansion outside state protected areas, through expansion of the meta-population by reintroducing wild dogs onto private nature reserves, and through the conservation of wild dogs in situ on ranchland. For either strategy, an estimated minimum area of 158.5 km2 is required to support the predation requirements of a pack of 12 wild dogs in northern South Africa, 172.8 km2 in eastern South Africa, and 354.2 km2 in north-eastern South Africa. Private reserve owners may not be willing to accept the costs of predation by wild dogs in the absence of compensation. Compensation for predation ($9,563 - $101,762/year) in addition to the high start up costs of wild dog reintroductions ($36,880) would increase annual donor funding requirements by 1.3 – 4 times, and reduce the cost efficiency of this strategy below that of alternative conservation options. However, there is potential to generate substantial revenue from wild dog-based ecotourism ($11,000 - $60,000/pack/year), and given careful reserve selection, tourism benefits can exceed the costs. Consequently, private reserve owners might be encouraged to reintroduce wild dogs at their own cost. In line with this, the Wild dog Advisory Group-SA has received enquiries from several private reserve owners interested in reintroducing wild dogs onto their properties. The expansion of the meta-population should be limited to state-owned reserves and private reserves willing to carry the costs. There are more wild dogs occurring outside protected areas than previously recognised. Potentially important founder populations occur in game ranching areas in eastern (1-3 resident packs and dispersing groups), northern (1-5 resident packs and dispersing groups) and western Limpopo (1-5 resident packs and dispersing groups), and large areas (88,750 km2) of potentially suitable habitat for range expansion are currently available. Persecution by landowners remains a significant problem, however, and until this is controlled, range expansion is unlikely to occur. Negative attitudes (47.7% of ranchers) are typically based upon perceived or real economic costs associated with wild dogs, and the removal of cost burdens from landowners is the most direct way in which attitudes might be improved. Despite the high annual costs associated with predation by wild dogs on ranchland ($11,942 - $115,761), the low logistical costs ($3,572 initially, and then $15,382 annually thereafter) associated with conserving wild dogs in situ on ranchland render this option more cost efficient than the reintroduction of wild dogs onto private reserves (14-27 packs conserve / $100,000 cf. 3-19 packs / $100,000). Furthermore, tourism revenue from wild dogs has the potential to offset the costs of their predation on ranchland under most scenarios, and promoting the conservation of wild dogs in situ on ranchland by assisting ranchers in establishing wild dog-ecotourism operations should be the focus of future conservation efforts. A substantial proportion of ranchers (52.3%) are positive towards wild dogs, and private landowners are potentially important facilitators in the conservation of the species in South Africa. The focus on future conservation efforts involving wild dogs in South Africa should be to establish wild dog populations in the proposed Limpopo/Shashi and Lubombo transfrontier conservation areas as soon as they are established, to encourage private reserve owners to reintroduce wild dogs at their own expense ,and to promote the conservation of naturally occurring wild dogs in situ on ranchland, by encouraging and assisting ranchers to establish wild dog-ecotourism programmes. / Thesis (DPhil (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted