Culling recolonizing mesopredators increases livestock losses: Evidence from the South African Karoo

Nattrass, Nicoli; Conradie, Beatrice; Stephens, Jed; Drouilly, Marine

doi:10.1007/s13280-019-01260-4

Cited by 19 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…This ancient conflict is one of the leading causes of mammalian carnivore declines worldwide and predator control is one of the oldest forms of wildlife management (Berger 2006). While traditionally considered the most economical and effective method, increasing evidence suggests that lethal control can fail to mitigate depredation in the longterm, and at times may even be counterproductive (Minnie et al 2016, Teichman et al 2016, Treves et al 2016, Nattrass et al 2019. Unselective lethal control methods are also considered by some as inhumane because they can cause suffering, as well as injury and mortality to non-target animals including domestic animals, protected species, and other wildlife (Naughton-Treves & Treves 2005, Rochlitz et al 2010.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating the hidden costs of livestock guarding dogs: a case study in Namaqualand, South Africa

Drouilly

Kelly

Cristescu

et al. 2020

Journal of Vertebrate Biology

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The use of livestock guarding dogs (LGDs) has been widely advocated as a responsible tool for reducing livestock predation and conserving wildlife. However, their hidden ecological costs have rarely been investigated. We analysed scats (n = 183) from six LGDs and visited Global Positioning System (GPS) location clusters (n = 352) from nine GPS-collared LGDs to reconstruct their diet and assess impacts on wildlife and livestock in Namaqualand, South Africa. Wild mammals, including 10 native species, and small-livestock were the main secondary foods (i.e. besides dog food pellets). A total of 90% of scats and one third of GPS clusters investigated had associated animal remains. When accompanied by a human attendant, fewer LGD scats contained animal matter (39.9%; of which 32.3% wild mammals and 4.6% livestock), in contrast to scats of LGDs on their own (93.2%; 14.4% wild mammals, 75.4% livestock). Similarly, few clusters of accompanied LGDs included animal remains (5.7%; of which 43.8% wild mammals and 31.3% livestock), whereas unaccompanied dogs clustered frequently at carcasses (92.4%; 16% wild mammals, 74% livestock). While sample sizes were relatively small and some dogs might have scavenged, we emphasize the importance of rigorous training and intensive monitoring of LGDs to correct unwanted predation behaviour and to maximize their ecological and protective benefits.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating the hidden costs of livestock guarding dogs: a case study in Namaqualand, South Africa

Drouilly

Kelly

Cristescu

et al. 2020

Journal of Vertebrate Biology

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“…This institutional support heavily subsidised the cost of predator control for US producers. In contrast, agricultural policy in South Africa during the 1980s saw a withdrawal from subsidised lethal carnivore control including bounty payments, support for hunting with dogs and the provision of poisons (Nattrass et al 2020). These subsidies were replaced with predator hunting services by private consultants or undertaken by producers themselves.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pathways towards coexistence with large carnivores in production systems

et al. 2021

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Coexistence between livestock grazing and carnivores in rangelands is a major challenge in terms of sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, species conservation and ecosystem function. Many effective non-lethal tools exist to protect livestock from predation, yet their adoption remains limited. Using a social-ecological transformations framework, we present two qualitative models that depict transformative change in rangelands grazing. Developed through participatory processes with stakeholders from South Africa and the United States of America, the models articulate drivers of change and the essential pathways to transition from routine lethal management of carnivores towards mutually beneficial coexistence. The pathways define broad actions that incorporate multiple values in grazing systems including changes to livestock management practices, financial support, industry capacity building, research, improved governance and marketing initiatives. A key finding is the new concept of 'Predator Smart Farming', a holistic and conscientious approach to agriculture, which increases the resilience of landscapes, animals (domesticated and wild) and rural livelihoods. Implementation of these multiple pathways would lead to a future system that ensures thriving agricultural communities, secure livelihoods, reduced violence toward animals, and landscapes that are productive and support species conservation and coexistence.

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“…Although still less than the 90% of farmers in South Africa that were reported to use lethal means to control carnivores (van Niekerk 2010), this figure implies that farmers in Botswana are willing to indiscriminately kill carnivores rather than targeting them in response to livestock attacks. Lethal control in itself can be damaging to wildlife but also counterproductive for reducing livestock losses (McManus et al 2015, Thorn et al 2015, Treves et al 2016, Nattrass et al 2019. However, indiscriminate killing of carnivores has been cited as one of the biggest threats to wildlife populations (Thorn et al 2015).…”

Section: Responsementioning

confidence: 99%

Every dog has its day: indigenous Tswana dogs are more practical livestock guardians in an arid African savanna compared with their expatriate cousins

Horgan

Weyde

Comley

et al. 2021

Journal of Vertebrate Biology

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Livestock guarding dogs (LGDs) have been used for centuries to reduce depredation on livestock and, more recently, to facilitate the conservation of threatened carnivores. Conservation organisations in southern Africa promote the use of Anatolian shepherds as LGDs. However, livestock farmers in Botswana use a variety of breeds for this purpose, including local landrace "Tswana" dogs. Our study sought to test the overall effectiveness of these local breeds as LGDs. Irrespective of breed, all LGDs reduced livestock losses, with 47.9% of farmers experiencing no losses after obtaining a guarding dog. Owners with more LGDs, and LGDs of a single sex, had greater reductions in livestock losses. Anatolian shepherds displayed more behavioural problems than other breeds in our study. The health of LGDs was reliant on them receiving a balanced diet, and owners with fewer dogs reported fewer health issues. Moreover, Tswana guarding dogs were cheaper to purchase and feed than their purebred counterparts. Our results show that local landrace dogs can be considered a cheaper and more practical alternative to purebred LGDs for reducing livestock losses and for mitigating human-wildlife conflict in Botswana.

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Culling recolonizing mesopredators increases livestock losses: Evidence from the South African Karoo

Cited by 19 publications

References 39 publications

Investigating the hidden costs of livestock guarding dogs: a case study in Namaqualand, South Africa

Investigating the hidden costs of livestock guarding dogs: a case study in Namaqualand, South Africa

Pathways towards coexistence with large carnivores in production systems

Every dog has its day: indigenous Tswana dogs are more practical livestock guardians in an arid African savanna compared with their expatriate cousins

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