Space-use patterns of free-ranging domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, in a complex agroecosystem in India: Implications for wildlife conservation
Conference Year
2024
Abstract
Free-ranging domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are a pervasive threat to biodiversity in developing countries. However, there is a lack of knowledge on their habitat use. We used GPS data to determine how space-use patterns and habitat selection differ between two dog categories – village and farm – in a complex agroecosystem in central India. The annual home ranges for farm dogs were significantly larger than village dogs but with great individual variation. Farm dogs used various habitats (including grasslands) during movement, whereas village dogs primarily used built areas. Top-ranked habitats in the compositional analysis for both categories included built, agriculture, and fallow lands. However, farm dogs had a higher selection of grasslands than village dogs. Our study highlights that farm dogs are more likely to interact with wildlife than village dogs due to their space-use behavior. Therefore, we emphasize the need for responsible dog ownership and encouraging practices that limit the free-ranging behavior of farm dogs.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
James (Jed) Murdoch
Graduate Student Mentors
Dr. Abi Vanak, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment- India
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources
Program/Major
Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Space-use patterns of free-ranging domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, in a complex agroecosystem in India: Implications for wildlife conservation
Free-ranging domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are a pervasive threat to biodiversity in developing countries. However, there is a lack of knowledge on their habitat use. We used GPS data to determine how space-use patterns and habitat selection differ between two dog categories – village and farm – in a complex agroecosystem in central India. The annual home ranges for farm dogs were significantly larger than village dogs but with great individual variation. Farm dogs used various habitats (including grasslands) during movement, whereas village dogs primarily used built areas. Top-ranked habitats in the compositional analysis for both categories included built, agriculture, and fallow lands. However, farm dogs had a higher selection of grasslands than village dogs. Our study highlights that farm dogs are more likely to interact with wildlife than village dogs due to their space-use behavior. Therefore, we emphasize the need for responsible dog ownership and encouraging practices that limit the free-ranging behavior of farm dogs.