Divided we fail: the importance of social integration for the re-introduction of endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)

In South Africa, a plan was launched to manage separate sub‐populations of endangered African wild dogs Lycaon pictus in several small, geographically isolated conservation areas as a single meta‐population. This intensive management approach involves the re‐introduction of wild dogs into suitable c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of zoology (1987) Vol. 270; no. 3; pp. 502 - 511
Main Authors: Gusset, M., Slotow, R., Somers, M. J.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.11.2006
Subjects:
African wild dog
Animal behavior
Conservation areas
Dogs
Endangered & extinct species
Endangered species
Lycaon pictus
Metapopulations
pack formation
re-introduction
social behaviour
Social integration
Translocation
Wildlife conservation
South Africa
ISSN:0952-8369, 1469-7998
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:In South Africa, a plan was launched to manage separate sub‐populations of endangered African wild dogs Lycaon pictus in several small, geographically isolated conservation areas as a single meta‐population. This intensive management approach involves the re‐introduction of wild dogs into suitable conservation areas and periodic translocations among them. Here, we sought to evaluate the relevance of taking the formation of new reproductive units into consideration in promoting such translocation attempts. For this purpose, we analysed the behavioural process of integrating translocated wild dogs into new packs in pre‐release holding facilities in Hluhluwe‐iMfolozi Park, one of the meta‐population conservation areas. In addition, we reviewed findings from other wild dog translocation attempts in regard to the outcome of using variously composed groups and captive‐bred animals for the artificial creation of new packs for translocation purposes. We show the importance of social integration before release for wild dog re‐introductions and translocations to be successful. We also present a set of proximate factors, including management manipulation of social relationships, which promote pack formation in pre‐release holding facilities. This demonstrably enhances the efficiency of costly wild dog re‐introductions and translocations, thereby illustrating the implications of sociality for endangered species recovery.
Bibliography:ark:/67375/WNG-7GVT9RG9-8
ArticleID:JZO168
istex:C1E409E1993F100B15F37F09D52E8F6F36E27599
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
content type line 14
ISSN:0952-8369
1469-7998
DOI:10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.00168.x