All indicators of success were fully achieved and this study documents the first successful reintroduction of wild dogs into a large, unfenced landscape in Mozambique and only the second on the continent. Consequently, the population grew significantly over the study period. Survival rate for all wild dogs was 73% and all mortality events were from natural causes. Founder and naturally formed packs produced pups in two of the three breeding seasons and packs successfully recruited pups. Post-release, we also observed natural pack formations as a result of multiple dispersal events. We found that pre-release, artificial pack formation in holding enclosures aided group cohesion and alpha pair establishment. We also assess how wild dog space use and diet influenced their success. We describe the first transboundary translocation and reintroduction of founding packs of wild dogs to Gorongosa over a 28-month study period and evaluate the success of the reintroduction based on five key indicator categories. To remedy this, reintroductions are now being implemented in Gorongosa, initiating with endangered African wild dogs ( Lycaon pictus), hereafter ‘wild dogs’. The ecological impact of the loss of large carnivores has been prominent in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, after most were extirpated during the 1977–92 civil war. Large carnivores have experienced widespread extirpation and species are now threatened globally.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |