Publications

TitleAbstractYear(sorted descending)
Filter
PMID
Filter
modified live distemper vaccines carry low mortality risk for captive african wild dogs, lycaon pictus.recently, canine distemper virus (cdv) has been linked to population declines in the endangered african wild dog (lycaon pictus). as cdv appears able to persist in wildlife, threats to free-ranging wild dogs cannot be eliminated by vaccinating domestic dogs. conservation managers may therefore consider cdv vaccination of wild dogs in highly threatened populations. for use in field conservation, the ideal cdv vaccine would be safe, immunogenic, and readily available in africa. the cdv vaccine typ ...202133827174
evidence of exposure to usuv and wnv in zoo animals in france.west nile virus (wnv) and usutu virus (usuv) are zoonotic arboviruses. these flaviviruses are mainly maintained in the environment through an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. horses and humans are incidental, dead-end hosts, but can develop severe neurological disorders. nevertheless, there is little data regarding the involvement of other mammals in the epidemiology of these arboviruses. in this study, we performed a serosurvey to assess exposure to these viruses in captive birds ...202033266071
prevalence and subtypes of blastocystis sp. infection in zoo animals in three cities in china.blastocystis is a highly prevalent eukaryotic parasite of many animals and humans worldwide. it can compromise the gastrointestinal tract and cause gastrointestinal symptoms, constituting a serious threat to human health and animal growth. many animals are potential sources of blastocystis infection in humans. however, limited data are available regarding the prevalence and subtype distribution of blastocystis infection among zoo animals in china. therefore, the present study examined the preval ...202031845021
clonal spread of yersinia enterocolitica 1b/o:8 in multiple zoo species.yersinia enterocolitica (ye) bioserotype 1b/o:8 (ye 1b/o:8) was identified in routine culture of a variety of zoo species housed at omaha's henry doorly zoo and aquarium (ohdza) from april to july 2011. animal cases representing 12 species had ye detected from 34 cases during routine fecal monitoring and/or during postmortem examination: coquerel's sifakas (propithecus coquereli, two cases), black & white (bw) ruffed lemurs (varecia variegata variegata, six cases), red ruffed lemurs (varecia rub ...202032212560
diversity of medium and large mammals in the loka abaya national park, southern ethiopia.we evaluated the richness, diversity, and composition of the medium and large mammal community in the loka abaya national park (lanp), southern ethiopia, and how these parameters differ among four habitat types: wooded grassland, riverine forest, hilly scrubland and wetland, and between seasons. we recorded a total of 2,573 individual animals of 28 medium and large mammal species in the park. this included three globally threatened species: the endangered african wild dog (lycaon pictus), the vu ...202033005352
hidden markov models reveal a clear human footprint on the movements of highly mobile african wild dogs.large carnivores have experienced considerable range contraction, increasing the importance of movement across human-altered landscapes between small, isolated populations. african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) are exceptionally wide-ranging, and recolonization is an important element of their persistence at broad scales. the competition-movement-connection hypothesis suggests that adaptations to move through areas that are unfavorable due to dominant competitors might promote the ability of subordi ...202033087737
within- and between-group dynamics in an obligate cooperative breeder.cooperative behaviour can have profound effects on demography. in many cooperative species, components of fitness (e.g. survival, reproductive success) are diminished in smaller social groups. these effects (termed group-level component allee effects) may lead smaller groups to grow relatively slowly or fail to persist (termed group-level demographic allee effects). if these group-level effects were to propagate to the population level, small populations would grow slowly or decline to extinctio ...202031506937
brain of the african wild dog. i. anatomy, architecture, and volumetrics.the african wild dog is endemic to sub-saharan africa and belongs to the family canidae which includes domestic dogs and their closest relatives (i.e., wolves, coyotes, jackals, dingoes, and foxes). the african wild dog is known for its highly social behavior, co-ordinated pack predation, and striking vocal repertoire, but little is known about its brain and whether it differs in any significant way from that of other canids. we employed gross anatomical observation, magnetic resonance imaging, ...202032720707
the brain of the african wild dog. ii. the olfactory system.employing a range of neuroanatomical stains, we detail the organization of the main and accessory olfactory systems of the african wild dog. the organization of both these systems follows that typically observed in mammals, but variations of interest were noted. within the main olfactory bulb, the size of the glomeruli, at approximately 350 μm in diameter, are on the larger end of the range observed across mammals. in addition, we estimate that approximately 3,500 glomeruli are present in each m ...202032798255
the brain of the african wild dog. iv. the visual system.the variegated pelage and social complexity of the african wild dog (lycaon pictus) hint at the possibility of specializations of the visual system. here, using a range of architectural and immunohistochemical stains, we describe the systems-level organization of the image-forming, nonimage forming, oculomotor, and accessory optic, vision-associated systems in the brain of one representative individual of the african wild dog. for all of these systems, the organization, in terms of location, par ...202032725830
the brain of the african wild dog. iii. the auditory system.the large external pinnae and extensive vocal repertoire of the african wild dog (lycaon pictus) has led to the assumption that the auditory system of this unique canid may be specialized. here, using cytoarchitecture, myeloarchitecture, and a range of immunohistochemical stains, we describe the systems-level anatomy of the auditory system of the african wild dog. we observed the cochlear nuclear complex, superior olivary nuclear complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, medial geniculate ...202032678456
when to stay and when to leave? proximate causes of dispersal in an endangered social carnivore.reliable estimates of birth, death, emigration and immigration rates are fundamental to understanding and predicting the dynamics of wild populations and, consequently, inform appropriate management actions. however, when individuals disappear from a focal population, inference on their fate is often challenging. here we used 30 years of individual-based mark-recapture data from a population of free-ranging african wild dogs lycaon pictus in botswana and a suite of individual, social and environ ...202032654130
a multispecies assessment of wildlife impacts on local community livelihoods.conflicts between the interests of agriculture and wildlife conservation are a major threat to biodiversity and human well-being globally. addressing such conflicts requires a thorough understanding of the impacts associated with living alongside protected wildlife. despite this, most studies reporting on human-wildlife impacts and the strategies used to mitigate them focus on a single species, thus oversimplifying often complex systems of human-wildlife interactions. we sought to characterize t ...202032496643
rabies outbreak in african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) in the tuli region, botswana: interventions and management mitigation recommendations.we describe an outbreak of rabies in a pack of african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) in the limpopo-lipadi private game and wilderness reserve in the tuli region of south-eastern botswana. we define the pack's behavioural response to the disease, clinical signs, and management interventions undertaken and make recommendations to mitigate against future disease outbreaks of this nature. the outbreak, which occurred in late 2014 and early 2015, resulted in the death or disappearance of 29 individuals ...201932288720
spatial partitioning by a subordinate carnivore is mediated by conspecific overlap.there are several hypotheses that could explain territory size in mammals, including the resource dispersion hypothesis (rdh), the intruder pressure hypothesis (iph), and the intraguild predation hypothesis (igph). in this study, we tested predictions of these three hypotheses regarding territories of 19 packs of endangered african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) over 2 years in the kruger national park, south africa. if territory size was supported by the rdh, then we would observe (1) wild dog terri ...201931535256
assessing the immunogenicity of an inactivated monovalent vaccine in the endangered african wild dog (lycaon pictus).captive held african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) were vaccinated with a commercially available inactivated canine parvovirus (cpv) vaccine licensed for use in domestic dogs. serological responses were recorded by testing for viral antibodies with the haemagglutination inhibition test (hai) following a vaccination schedule involving two initial inoculations a month apart and an annual booster. vaccines were delivered by hand injection or remotely (i.e. by dart). all naïve dogs vaccinated with parva ...201931384728
bridging the divide between scientists and decision-makers: how behavioural ecologists can increase the conservation impact of their research?effective conservation management is underpinned by science. yet, there are often barriers against the incorporation of up-to-date scientific research into decision-making and policy. here, we draw on experience from a multi-nation approach to conserve cheetah and african wild dogs across africa, using relationships between scientists and managers established over more than a decade, to better understand scientific information needs of managers. while our analysis focuses on africa, many of our ...201931352894
mycobacterium bovis infection in african wild dogs, kruger national park, south africa.we screened african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) in kruger national park, south africa, for mycobacterium bovis infection using an interferon-gamma release assay. we detected m. bovis sensitization in 20 of 21 packs; overall apparent infection prevalence was 83%. these animals experience high infection pressure, which may affect long-term survival and conservation strategies.201931211936
comparative genomics provides new insights into the remarkable adaptations of the african wild dog (lycaon pictus).within the canidae, the african wild dog (lycaon pictus) is the most specialized with regards to cursorial adaptations (specialized for running), having only four digits on their forefeet. in addition, this species is one of the few canids considered to be an obligate meat-eater, possessing a robust dentition for taking down large prey, and displays one of the most variable coat colorations amongst mammals. here, we used comparative genomic analysis to investigate the evolutionary history and ge ...201931171819
dog appeasing pheromone prevents the androgen surge and may reduce contact dominance and active submission after stressful interventions in african wild dogs (lycaon pictus).the endangered african wild dog (awd; lycaon pictus) is a highly social canid living in packs with a separate male and female hierarchy. immobilisation, handling and translocations are acute stressors for awds, however such interventions are often needed for species management. in addition, new pack formation or temporary pack separation can lead to an increase in intra-pack aggression. the goal of this double-blinded placebo-controlled study conducted in captive zoo populations was to evaluate ...201930917139
landscape correlates of space use in the critically endangered african wild dog lycaon pictus.human-carnivore conflict can threaten human life and livelihoods, leading to retaliation that negatively affects carnivore conservation. the endangered african wild dog lycaon pictus is prone to human-carnivore conflict. therefore, it is imperative to understand which landscape features are associated with african wild dog occurrence since selection or avoidance of these features could predict the levels of conflict. we investigated resource selection in the african wild dog in relation to four ...201930901330
cascading impacts of large-carnivore extirpation in an african ecosystem.populations of the world's largest carnivores are declining and now occupy mere fractions of their historical ranges. theory predicts that when apex predators disappear, large herbivores become less fearful, occupy new habitats, and modify those habitats by eating new food plants. yet experimental support for this prediction has been difficult to obtain in large-mammal systems. after the extirpation of leopards and african wild dogs from mozambique's gorongosa national park, forest-dwelling ante ...201930846612
no evidence of handling-induced mortality in serengeti's african wild dog population.the disappearance of an endangered african wild dog population from serengeti national park (snp) led to international debate centered around one question: were researchers to blame? the "burrows' hypothesis" postulated that stress induced by research-related immobilization and handling reactivated a latent rabies virus, eliminating the population. insufficient data inhibited hypothesis testing, but since wild dogs persisted alongside snp and have been studied since 2005, the hypothesis can be t ...201930805144
coping with climate change: limited behavioral responses to hot weather in a tropical carnivore.climate change is widely accepted to be one of the greatest threats to species globally. identifying the species most at risk is, therefore, a conservation priority. some species have the capacity to adapt to rising temperatures through changing their phenology, behavior, distribution, or physiology, and, therefore, may be more likely to persist under rising temperatures. recent findings suggest that the african wild dog lycaon pictus may be impacted by climate change, since reproductive success ...201930740614
social rank does not affect sperm quality in male african wild dogs (lycaon pictus).sperm banking and ai could benefit endangered african wild dog conservation. however, it is unclear whether their dominance hierarchy causes a decrease in reproductive and sperm quality parameters in subordinate males that typically do not breed. in this study, we investigated the effect of social rank on male reproductive parameters, including faecal androgen and glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations, prostate and testes volume, preputial gland size, semen collection success and sperm qualit ...201930694739
compassionate conservation: exploring the lives of african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) in botswana.this paper argues for a more compassionate conservation by positioning animals as subjects in research and scholarship. compassionate conservation is a multidisciplinary field of study that broadly attends to the ethical dimensions of conservation by merging conservation biology and animal welfare science. however, animal geography is rarely discussed in the compassionate conservation scholarship despite sharing similar tenets. this paper argues that responsible anthropomorphism and animal geogr ...201930621013
cost-effective assembly of the african wild dog (lycaon pictus) genome using linked reads.a high-quality reference genome assembly is a valuable tool for the study of non-model organisms. genomic techniques can provide important insights about past population sizes and local adaptation and can aid in the development of breeding management plans. this information is important for fields such as conservation genetics, where endangered species require critical and immediate attention. however, funding for genomic-based methods can be sparse for conservation projects, as costs for genera ...201930346553
carnivores, competition and genetic connectivity in the anthropocene.current extinction rates are comparable to five prior mass extinctions in the earth's history, and are strongly affected by human activities that have modified more than half of the earth's terrestrial surface. increasing human activity restricts animal movements and isolates formerly connected populations, a particular concern for the conservation of large carnivores, but no prior research has used high throughput sequencing in a standardized manner to examine genetic connectivity for multiple ...201931705017
parsimonious test of dynamic interaction.in recent years, there have been significant advances in the technology used to collect data on the movement and activity patterns of humans and animals. gps units, which form the primary source of location data, have become cheaper, more accurate, lighter and less power-hungry, and their accuracy has been further improved with the addition of inertial measurement units. the consequence is a glut of geospatial time series data, recorded at rates that range from one position fix every several hou ...201930847062
an interferon gamma release assay for the detection of immune sensitization to mycobacterium bovis in african wild dogs (lycaon pictus).in south africa, the largest proportion of the african wild dog (lycaon pictus) population resides in regions where buffaloes have a high prevalence of mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (btb). recent reports of deaths of wild dogs associated with btb have raised concerns regarding the threat this disease might pose for this species. in order to understand the potential impact of the disease in wild dogs, diagnostic tools are required to identify infected individuals ...201930557121
interspecific gene flow shaped the evolution of the genus canis.the evolutionary history of the wolf-like canids of the genus canis has been heavily debated, especially regarding the number of distinct species and their relationships at the population and species level [1-6]. we assembled a dataset of 48 resequenced genomes spanning all members of the genus canis except the black-backed and side-striped jackals, encompassing the global diversity of seven extant canid lineages. this includes eight new genomes, including the first resequenced ethiopian wolf (c ...201830344120
rabies as a threat to wildlife.the impact of infectious disease may become progressively more harmful to a species' survival as a wild population approaches an 'extinction vortex'. this risk is especially relevant for pathogens that spread rapidly and result in high mortality rates. rabies, a virus that infects many mammalian species, can be efficiently transmitted through infected saliva, and is fatal without prior vaccination or rapid post-exposure prophylaxis (in humans). the authors conducted an extensive literature revie ...201830747143
why are demographic allee effects so rarely seen in social animals?allee effects in group-living species are common, but little is known about the way in which allee effects at the group-level scale up to influence population dynamics. most notably, it remains unclear whether component allee effects within groups (where some component of fitness in small groups decreases with decreasing group size) will translate into a population-level demographic allee effect (where per capita fitness in small populations decreases with decreasing overall population size). th ...201830055026
rabies of canid biotype in wild dog (lycaon pictus) and spotted hyaena (crocuta crocuta) in madikwe game reserve, south africa in 2014-2015: diagnosis, possible origins and implications for control.both domestic and wild carnivore species are commonly diagnosed with rabies virus (rabv) infection in south africa. although the majority of confirmed rabies cases in wild carnivore species are reported from the yellow mongoose (cynictis penicillata), the rest are from other wild carnivores including the highly endangered wild dog (lycaon pictus). lyssavirus infection was confirmed in two wild dogs and a spotted hyaena (crocuta crocuta) in the madikwe game reserve, north west province in south a ...201829781673
a two-step dilution tris-egg yolk extender containing equex stm significantly improves sperm cryopreservation in the african wild dog (lycaon pictus).conservation management of endangered african wild dogs (awd; lycaon pictus) can benefit greatly from development of sperm freezing and artificial insemination. previous freezing attempts yielded nearly 0% motile sperm within 2 h of thawing. in this study, two canine freezing protocols were tested: protocol 1: a one-step dilution in tris-20% egg yolk containing 8% glycerol; and protocol 2: a two-step dilution in tris-20% egg yolk containing a final extender concentration of 5% glycerol and 0.5% ...201829287895
the repertoire of bitter taste receptor genes in canids.bitter taste receptors (tas2rs) play important roles in mammalian defense mechanisms by helping animals detect and avoid toxins in food. although tas2r genes have been widely studied in several mammals, minimal research has been performed in canids. to analyze the genetic basis of tas2r genes in canids, we first identified tas2r genes in the wolf, maned wolf, red fox, corsac fox, tibetan fox, fennec fox, dhole and african hunting dog. a total of 183 tas2r genes, consisting of 118 intact genes, 6 ...201728417226
sneeze to leave: african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) use variable quorum thresholds facilitated by sneezes in collective decisions.in despotically driven animal societies, one or a few individuals tend to have a disproportionate influence on group decision-making and actions. however, global communication allows each group member to assess the relative strength of preferences for different options among their group-mates. here, we investigate collective decisions by free-ranging african wild dog packs in botswana. african wild dogs exhibit dominant-directed group living and take part in stereotyped social rallies: high ener ...201728878054
hot dogs: high ambient temperatures impact reproductive success in a tropical carnivore.climate change imposes an urgent need to recognise and conserve the species likely to be worst affected. however, while ecologists have mostly explored indirect effects of rising ambient temperatures on temperate and polar species, physiologists have predicted direct impacts on tropical species. the african wild dog (lycaon pictus), a tropical species, exhibits few of the traits typically used to predict climate change vulnerability. nevertheless, we predicted that wild dog populations might be ...201728726288
the effect of relatedness and pack size on territory overlap in african wild dogs.spacing patterns mediate competitive interactions between conspecifics, ultimately increasing fitness. the degree of territorial overlap between neighbouring african wild dog (lycaon pictus) packs varies greatly, yet the role of factors potentially affecting the degree of overlap, such as relatedness and pack size, remain unclear. we used movement data from 21 wild dog packs to calculate the extent of territory overlap (20 dyads).201728417004
an exploratory clustering approach for extracting stride parameters from tracking collars on free-ranging wild animals.changes in stride frequency and length with speed are key parameters in animal locomotion research. they are commonly measured in a laboratory on a treadmill or by filming trained captive animals. here, we show that a clustering approach can be used to extract these variables from data collected by a tracking collar containing a gps module and tri-axis accelerometers and gyroscopes. the method enables stride parameters to be measured during free-ranging locomotion in natural habitats. as it does ...201727811292
spatial and temporal avoidance of risk within a large carnivore guild.within a large carnivore guild, subordinate competitors (african wild dog, lycaon pictus, and cheetah, acinonyx jubatus) might reduce the limiting effects of dominant competitors (lion, panthera leo, and spotted hyena, crocuta crocuta) by avoiding them in space, in time, or through patterns of prey selection. understanding how these competitors cope with one other can inform strategies for their conservation. we tested how mechanisms of niche partitioning promote coexistence by quantifying patte ...201728070283
the relationship between direct predation and antipredator responses: a test with multiple predators and multiple prey.most species adjust their behavior to reduce the likelihood of predation. many experiments have shown that antipredator responses carry energetic costs that can affect growth, survival, and reproduction, so that the total cost of predation depends on a trade-off between direct predation and risk effects. despite these patterns, few field studies have examined the relationship between direct predation and the strength of antipredator responses, particularly for complete guilds of predators and pr ...201728475209
fertility suppression of some wildlife species in southern africa-a review.generally speaking, southern africa's wildlife populations in small-to-medium-sized protected game reserves (10,000-65,000 ha) reproduce at rapid rates which often lead overpopulation of certain species. most commonly these are large predators such as lions, african wild dogs and cheetahs, and elephants. overpopulation of large predators leads to depletion of prey species, breakouts into neighbouring communities and increased risks for disease transmission. an overabundance of elephants leads to ...201627670936
energy cost and return for hunting in african wild dogs and cheetahs.african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) are reported to hunt with energetically costly long chase distances. we used high-resolution gps and inertial technology to record 1,119 high-speed chases of all members of a pack of six adult african wild dogs in northern botswana. dogs performed multiple short, high-speed, mostly unsuccessful chases to capture prey, while cheetahs (acinonyx jubatus) undertook even shorter, higher-speed hunts. we used an energy balance model to show that the energy return from ...201627023457
net effects of ecotourism on threatened species survival.many threatened species rely on ecotourism for conservation funding, but simultaneously suffer direct ecological impacts from ecotourism. for a range of iucn-redlisted terrestrial and marine bird and mammal species worldwide, we use population viability analyses to calculate the net effects of ecotourism on expected time to extinction, in the presence of other anthropogenic threats such as poaching, primary industries and habitat loss. species for which these calculations are currently possible, ...201626886876
using odor cues to elicit a behavioral and hormonal response in zoo-housed african wild dogs.olfactory enrichment, like odor cues, can positively affect behavior, reproductive success, and stress physiology in zoo-housed species. our goal was to determine if odor cues were enriching to the african wild dog (awd; lycaon pictus), a species with a complex social structure and a highly developed sense of smell. our objectives were to: (1) examine changes in activity levels and stress hormone physiology in response to fecal odor cues from natural competitor and natural/unnatural prey species ...201624375480
evaluation of the applicability of different age determination methods for estimating age of the endangered african wild dog (lycaon pictus).african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) are endangered and their population continues to decline throughout their range. given their conservation status, more research focused on their population dynamics, population growth and age specific mortality is needed and this requires reliable estimates of age and age of mortality. various age determination methods from teeth and skull measurements have been applied in numerous studies and it is fundamental to test the validity of these methods and their app ...201627732663
kinship, maternal effects, and management: juvenile mortality and survival in captive african painted dogs, lycaon pictus.in 77 african painted dog (lycaon pictus) litters born in north american zoos since 1998, pup mortality at 30 days was 53% (n = 478). more alarmingly, 52% of those 77 litters had zero pups surviving at 30 days. many variables may have the potential to affect pup mortality in captivity, including kinship, maternal age, prior maternal breeding experience, and numerous social and husbandry factors. data on these variables were obtained from the north american regional studbook, with supplemental in ...201627272949
additive opportunistic capture explains group hunting benefits in african wild dogs.african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) are described as highly collaborative endurance pursuit hunters based on observations derived primarily from the grass plains of east africa. however, the remaining population of this endangered species mainly occupies mixed woodland savannah where hunting strategies appear to differ from those previously described. we used high-resolution gps and inertial technology to record fine-scale movement of all members of a single pack of six adult african wild dogs in ...201627023355
an ecological paradox: the african wild dog (lycaon pictus) is not attracted to water points when water is scarce in hwange national park, zimbabwe.in dry biomes, spatio-temporal variation in surface water resource stocks is pervasive, with unknown effects on the ranging behaviour of large predators. this study assessed the effect of spatial variation in surface water resources on the ranging behaviour of the african wild dog (lycaon pictus). we analyzed data for 1992 (dry year with 20 water points) and 2000 (wet year with 30 water points) against presence-only data for five packs of l. pictus in a part of hwange national park and adjacent ...201626816321
monitoring stress in captive and free-ranging african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) using faecal glucocorticoid metabolites.an understanding of stress physiology is important for species management because high levels of stress can hamper reproduction and affect an individual's ability to cope with threats to their survival, such as disease and human-wildlife conflict. a commonly used indicator of stress, faecal concentrations of cortisol metabolites (fcm), can be used to assess the impact of social, biological and environmental factors. measurements of fcm are particularly valuable for endangered species that are lo ...201626723188
genome sequence, population history, and pelage genetics of the endangered african wild dog (lycaon pictus).the african wild dog (lycaon pictus) is an endangered african canid threatened by severe habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and infectious disease. a highly specialized carnivore, it is distinguished by its social structure, dental morphology, absence of dewclaws, and colorful pelage.201627938335
hunting on a hot day: effects of temperature on interactions between african wild dogs and their prey.as global temperatures increase, interactions between species are affected by changes in distribution, abundance and phenology, but also by changes in behavior. the heat dissipation limitation hypothesis suggests that the ability to dissipate heat commonly limits the activity of endotherms, a problem that should be particularly acute for cursorial predators and their prey in equatorial ecosystems. allometric relationships suggest that heat dissipation should be a stronger constraint for larger s ...201627870027
single- versus double-dose rabies vaccination in captive african wild dogs (lycaon pictus).the immune responses of 35 captive african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) to an inactivated rabies virus vaccine were evaluated. seventeen animals received one 1-ml dose of inactivated rabies vaccine administered intramuscularly, while 18 received two 1-ml doses given simultaneously but at different injection sites. sera were collected from all animals prior to vaccination and intermittently from a subset of animals between 3 and 49 mo postvaccination. rabies neutralizing serum antibody titers were m ...201526667524
potential mechanisms for cancer resistance in elephants and comparative cellular response to dna damage in humans.evolutionary medicine may provide insights into human physiology and pathophysiology, including tumor biology.201526447779
recovery of african wild dogs suppresses prey but does not trigger a trophic cascade.increasingly, the restoration of large carnivores is proposed as a means through which to restore community structure and ecosystem function via trophic cascades. after a decades-long absence, african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) recolonized the laikipia plateau in central kenya, which we hypothesized would trigger a trophic cascade via suppression of their primary prey (dik-dik, madoqua guentheri) and the subsequent relaxation of browsing pressure on trees. we tested the trophic-cascade hypothesis ...201526649391
reproductive hormonal patterns in pregnant, pseudopregnant and acyclic captive african wild dogs (lycaon pictus).african wild dogs are one of the most endangered canid species, with free-living populations declining as a consequence of habitat loss, disease and human conflict. captive breeding is considered an important conservation strategy, but is hampered by a poor overall understanding of the reproductive biology of the species. to improve our basic knowledge, we studied hormone patterns in 15 female wild dogs using non-invasive faecal collections. by comparing longitudinal hormone profiles with behavi ...201525818522
assessing the potential threat landscape of a proposed reintroduction site for carnivores.this study provides a framework to assess the feasibility of reintroducing carnivores into an area, using african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) as an example. the great fish river nature reserve in the eastern cape province, south africa, has been identified as a potential reserve to reintroduce wild dogs, and we applied this framework to provide a threat assessment of the surrounding area to determine potential levels of human-wildlife conflict. although 56% of neighbouring landowners and local com ...201525822468
prevalence and diversity of babesia, hepatozoon, ehrlichia, and bartonella in wild and domestic carnivores from zambia, africa.a molecular survey was conducted for several hemoparasites of domestic dogs and three species of wild carnivores from two sites in zambia. three babesia spp. were detected including babesia felis and babesia leo in lions (panthera leo) and a babesia sp. (similar to babesia lengau) in spotted hyenas (crocuta crocuta) and a single lion. all wild dogs (lycaon pictus) and domestic dogs were negative for babesia. high prevalences for hepatozoon were noted in all three wild carnivores (38-61%) and in ...201424363181
serological detection of infection with canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus in communal dogs from zimbabwe.domestic dogs are common amongst communities in sub-saharan africa and may serve as important reservoirs for infectious agents that may cause diseases in wildlife. two agents of concern are canine parvovirus (cpv) and canine distemper virus (cdv), which may infect and cause disease in large carnivore species such as african wild dogs and african lions, respectively. the impact of domestic dogs and their diseases on wildlife conservation is increasing in zimbabwe, necessitating thorough assessmen ...201425686382
duration of immunity in red wolves (canis rufus) following vaccination with a modified live parvovirus and canine distemper vaccine.there is growing information available regarding duration of immunity for core vaccines in both domestic and nondomestic species. vaccination protocols in nondomestic canids have frequently followed guidelines developed for the domestic dog; however, these protocols can be inappropriate for nondomestic canids such as the african wild dog (lycaon pictus), leaving some animals susceptible to infectious disease and others at risk for contracting vaccine-induced disease. in this study, red wolves (c ...201425314821
an objective approach to determining the weight ranges of prey preferred by and accessible to the five large african carnivores.broad-scale models describing predator prey preferences serve as useful departure points for understanding predator-prey interactions at finer scales. previous analyses used a subjective approach to identify prey weight preferences of the five large african carnivores, hence their accuracy is questionable. this study uses a segmented model of prey weight versus prey preference to objectively quantify the prey weight preferences of the five large african carnivores. based on simulations of known ...201424988433
evaluating the status of african wild dogs lycaon pictus and cheetahs acinonyx jubatus through tourist-based photographic surveys in the kruger national park [corrected].the kruger national park is a stronghold for african wild dog lycaon pictus and cheetah acinonyx jubatus conservation in south africa. tourist photographic surveys have been used to evaluate the minimum number of wild dogs and cheetahs alive over the last two decades. photographic-based capture-recapture techniques for open populations were used on data collected during a survey done in 2008/9. models were run for the park as a whole and per region (northern, central, southern). a total of 412 ( ...201424465998
cheetahs and wild dogs show contrasting patterns of suppression by lions.top predators can dramatically suppress populations of smaller predators, with cascading effects throughout communities, and this pressure is often unquestioningly accepted as a constraint on mesopredator populations. in this study, we reassess whether african lions suppress populations of cheetahs and african wild dogs and examine possible mechanisms for coexistence between these species. using long-term records from serengeti national park, we tested 30 years of population data for evidence of ...201424724917
landscape suitability in botswana for the conservation of its six large african carnivores.wide-ranging large carnivores often range beyond the boundaries of protected areas into human-dominated areas. mapping out potentially suitable habitats on a country-wide scale and identifying areas with potentially high levels of threats to large carnivore survival is necessary to develop national conservation action plans. we used a novel approach to map and identify these areas in botswana for its large carnivore guild consisting of lion (panthera leo), leopard (panthera pardus), spotted hyae ...201424949735
space use of african wild dogs in relation to other large carnivores.interaction among species through competition is a principle process structuring ecological communities, affecting behavior, distribution, and ultimately the population dynamics of species. high competition among large african carnivores, associated with extensive diet overlap, manifests in interactions between subordinate african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) and dominant lions (panthera leo) and spotted hyenas (crocuta crocuta). using locations of large carnivores in hluhluwe-imfolozi park, south ...201424896638
behavioral responses to mammalian blood odor and a blood odor component in four species of large carnivores.only little is known about whether single volatile compounds are as efficient in eliciting behavioral responses in animals as the whole complex mixture of a behaviorally relevant odor. recent studies analysing the composition of volatiles in mammalian blood, an important prey-associated odor stimulus for predators, found the odorant trans-4,5-epoxy-(e)-2-decenal to evoke a typical "metallic, blood-like" odor quality in humans. we therefore assessed the behavior of captive asian wild dogs (cuon a ...201425383706
enrichment options for african painted dogs (lycaon pictus).best practices for carnivore enrichment encourage the diversity of species-typical behaviors, increased activity, and reduced stereotypic behavior; ideally considering the life-history and behavior of each species. african wild dogs (lycaon pictus), or painted dogs, are social carnivores that have large home ranges and complex pack dynamics (e.g., variation in group size, relatedness, etc.). as there are relatively few studies on painted dog enrichment, the goal of this study was to compile a li ...201425138282
heading for the hills: risk avoidance drives den site selection in african wild dogs.compared to their main competitors, african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) have inferior competitive abilities and interspecific competition is a serious fitness-limiting factor. lions (panthera leo) are the dominant large carnivore in african savannah ecosystems and wild dogs avoid them both spatially and temporally. wild dog young are particularly vulnerable and suffer high rates of mortality from lions. since lions do not utilize all parts of the landscape with an equal intensity, spatial variatio ...201424918935
space use as an indicator of enclosure appropriateness in african wild dogs (lycaon pictus).a clear understanding of space use is required to more fully understand biological requirements of nonhuman animals in zoos, aid the design of exhibits, and maximize the animals' welfare. this study used electivity indexes to assess space use of two packs of african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) and the appropriateness of two naturalistic, outdoor enclosures at the san diego zoo and bronx zoo. the results identified enclosure features that were both underutilized and overutilized. they suggest that ...201424665950
successful snakebite treatment in three juvenile african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) with polyvalent antivenom: a namibian case report.this article reports the first documented treatment of venomous snakebite with a polyvalent snake antivenom from the south african institute for medical research in endangered african wild dogs (lycaon pictus). three juvenile male animals (6.5 months of age) showed clinical signs after being bitten by an unidentified venomous snake. the signs included loss of appetite, disorientation, impaired locomotion, excessive facial swelling, profuse salivation, reduced respiratory effort and an apparent d ...201323718740
do social groups prevent allee effect related extinctions?: the case of wild dogs.allee effects may arise as the number of individuals decreases, thereby reducing opportunities for cooperation and constraining individual fitness, which can lead to population decrease and extinction. obligate cooperative breeders rely on a minimum group size to subsist and are thus expected to be particularly susceptible to allee effects. although allee effects in some components of the fitness of cooperative breeders have been detected, empirical confirmation of population extinction due to a ...201323496951
does litter size variation affect models of terrestrial carnivore extinction risk and management?individual variation in both survival and reproduction has the potential to influence extinction risk. especially for rare or threatened species, reliable population models should adequately incorporate demographic uncertainty. here, we focus on an important form of demographic stochasticity: variation in litter sizes. we use terrestrial carnivores as an example taxon, as they are frequently threatened or of economic importance. since data on intraspecific litter size variation are often sparse, ...201323469140
underestimating the frequency, strength and cost of antipredator responses with data from gps collars: an example with wolves and elk.field studies that rely on fixes from gps-collared predators to identify encounters with prey will often underestimate the frequency and strength of antipredator responses. these underestimation biases have several mechanistic causes. (1) step bias: the distance between successive gps fixes can be large, and encounters that occur during these intervals go undetected. this bias will generally be strongest for cursorial hunters that can rapidly cover large distances (e.g., wolves and african wild ...201324455148
non-adaptive phenotypic evolution of the endangered carnivore lycaon pictus.decline in wild populations as a result of anthropogenic impact is widely considered to have evolutionary consequences for the species concerned. here we examine changes in developmental stability in the painted hunting dog (lycaon pictus), which once occupied most of sub-saharan africa but has undergone a dramatic population decline in the last century. fluctuating asymmetry (fa) was used as an indicator of developmental stability and measured in museum skull specimens spanning a hundred year p ...201324086298
creating larger and better connected protected areas enhances the persistence of big game species in the maputaland-pondoland-albany biodiversity hotspot.the ideal conservation planning approach would enable decision-makers to use population viability analysis to assess the effects of management strategies and threats on all species at the landscape level. however, the lack of high-quality data derived from long-term studies, and uncertainty in model parameters and/or structure, often limit the use of population models to only a few species of conservation concern. we used spatially explicit metapopulation models in conjunction with multi-criteri ...201323977144
moving to stay in place: behavioral mechanisms for coexistence of african large carnivores.most ecosystems have multiple predator species that not only compete for shared prey, but also pose direct threats to each other. these intraguild interactions are key drivers of carnivore community structure, with ecosystem-wide cascading effects. yet, behavioral mechanisms for coexistence of multiple carnivore species remain poorly understood. the challenges of studying large, free-ranging carnivores have resulted in mainly coarse-scale examination of behavioral strategies without information ...201324400513
comparison of the effects of artificial and natural barriers on large african carnivores: implications for interspecific relationships and connectivity.1. physical barriers contribute to habitat fragmentation, influence species distribution and ranging behaviour, and impact long-term population viability. barrier permeability varies among species and can potentially impact the competitive balance within animal communities by differentially affecting co-occurring species. the influence of barriers on the spatial distribution of species within whole communities has nonetheless received little attention. 2. during a 4-year period, we studied the i ...201323402594
determinants of persistence and tolerance of carnivores on namibian ranches: implications for conservation on southern african private lands.changing land use patterns in southern africa have potential to dramatically alter the prospects for carnivore conservation. understanding these influences is essential for conservation planning. we interviewed 250 ranchers in namibia to assess human tolerance towards and the distribution of large carnivores. cheetahs (acinonyx jubatus), leopards (panthera pardus) and brown hyaenas (hyaena brunnea) were widely distributed on namibian farmlands, spotted hyaenas (crocuta crocuta) had a narrower di ...201323326333
medical management of pyometra in three red wolves (canis rufus).pyometra is a serious, life-threatening disease of both domestic and non-domestic species often requiring ovariohysterectomy to preserve the life of the animal. medical management of pyometra has been successful in domestic and non-domestic species, and the consideration of such treatment is of marked importance in a critically endangered species. of the canids, the red wolf (canis rufus) is second only to african hunting dogs (lycaon pictus) in terms of the prevalence of both cystic endometrial ...201324450062
comparison of oral and intramuscular recombinant canine distemper vaccination in african wild dogs (lycaon pictus).a series of three doses of recombinant canary-pox-vectored canine distemper virus vaccine was administered at 1-mo intervals, orally (n = 8) or intramuscularly (n = 13), to 21 previously unvaccinated juvenile african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) at the wildlife conservation society's bronx zoo. titers were measured by serum neutralization at each vaccination and at intervals over a period of 3.5-21.5 mo after the initial vaccination. all postvaccination titers were negative for orally vaccinated an ...201324450046
rabies, canine distemper, and canine parvovirus exposure in large carnivore communities from two zambian ecosystems.disease transmission within and among wild and domestic carnivores can have significant impacts on populations, particularly for threatened and endangered species. we used serology to evaluate potential exposure to rabies virus, canine distemper virus (cdv), and canine parvovirus (cpv) for populations of african lions (panthera leo), african wild dogs (lycaon pictus), and spotted hyenas (crocuta crocuta) in zambia's south luangwa national park (slnp) and liuwa plain national park (lpnp) as well ...201323805791
contact with domestic dogs increases pathogen exposure in endangered african wild dogs (lycaon pictus).infectious diseases have contributed to the decline and local extinction of several wildlife species, including african wild dogs (lycaon pictus). mitigating such disease threats is challenging, partly because uncertainty about disease dynamics makes it difficult to identify the best management approaches. serious impacts on susceptible populations most frequently occur when generalist pathogens are maintained within populations of abundant (often domestic) "reservoir" hosts, and spill over into ...201222238695
rabies virus and canine distemper virus in wild and domestic carnivores in northern kenya: are domestic dogs the reservoir?rabies virus (rv) and canine distemper virus (cdv) can cause significant mortality in wild carnivore populations, and rv threatens human lives. we investigated serological patterns of exposure to cdv and rv in domestic dogs (canis familiaris), african wild dogs (lycaon pictus), black-backed jackals (canis mesomelas), spotted hyenas (crocuta crocuta), striped hyenas (hyaena hyaena) and african lions (panthera leo), over a 10-year period, in a kenyan rangeland to assess the role domestic dogs may ...201223459924
sex, stress and social status: patterns in fecal testosterone and glucocorticoid metabolites in male ethiopian wolves.ethiopian wolves, canis simensis, live in large multi-male family packs, where males are philopatric and do not disperse. within a pack, mating and breeding is largely monopolized by the dominant male and female, although extra-pack copulations are common, and subordinate males may sire pups in neighboring packs. regardless of paternity, all males in a pack help rear the pups. we non-invasively studied patterns in fecal testosterone and glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations using radioimmunoa ...201222841807
fear of the dark or dinner by moonlight? reduced temporal partitioning among africa's large carnivores.africa is home to the last intact guild of large carnivores and thus provides the only opportunity to investigate mechanisms of coexistence among large predator species. strong asymmetric dominance hierarchies typically characterize guilds of large carnivores; but despite this asymmetry, subdominant species may persist alongside their stronger counterparts through temporal partitioning of habitat and resources. in the african guild, the subdominant african wild dogs and cheetahs are routinely de ...201223431590
multilobular tumor of bone in an african wild dog (lycaon pictus).a 13-mo-old, captive-born, female african wild dog (lycaon pictus) was presented with a progressively enlarging, firm mass on the dorsum of the head. due to rapid tumor growth and the development of neurologic signs, elective euthanasia and a complete postmortem were performed 2 months after initial presentation. histologic findings were similar in both antemortem biopsy and postmortem samples from the tumor and consisted of nodules of cartilage and/or bone separated by thin interconnected trabe ...201223272370
identification of volatiles from the secretions and excretions of african wild dogs (lycaon pictus).gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to identify 103 organic compounds from urine, feces, anal glands, and preputial glands of free-ranging african wild dogs, lycaon pictus. aliphatic acids were the dominant class of compound in all materials. in addition to aliphatic acids, urine contained dimethyl sulfone, 1,3-propanediol, benzoic acid, 1-methyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione, and squalene as major components: feces contained indole and cholesterol; and both contained 2-piperidone, phenol, 4- ...201223129124
reproduction in the endangered african wild dog: basic physiology, reproductive suppression and possible benefits of artificial insemination.the african wild dog (lycaon pictus) is an endangered exotic canid with less than 5500 animals remaining in the wild. despite numerous strategies to conserve this species, numbers of free-living animals are in decline. it is a highly social species with a complex pack structure: separate male and female dominant hierarchies with, typically, participation of subdominant adults in the rearing of the dominant breeding pairs' pups. basic reproductive knowledge is largely missing in this species, wit ...201222748701
establishment probability in newly founded populations.establishment success in newly founded populations relies on reaching the established phase, which is defined by characteristic fluctuations of the population's state variables. stochastic population models can be used to quantify the establishment probability of newly founded populations; however, so far no simple but robust method for doing so existed. to determine a critical initial number of individuals that need to be released to reach the established phase, we used a novel application of t ...201222716016
seasonal changes in steroid hormone profiles, body weight, semen quality, and the reproductive tract in captive african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) in south africa.characterization of reproductive seasonality in the african wild dog (lycaon pictus) could assist reintroduction programs. male wild dogs (n=14) were assessed quarterly (january, mid-summer; april, late summer; august, late winter; november, early summer) for serum testosterone, body weight, testicular and prostatic volume, preputial gland measurement, and ejaculate characteristics. bi-monthly fecal samples were collected from male (n=11) and female (n=4) wild dogs for analysis of fecal androgen ...201222683282
inbreeding avoidance influences the viability of reintroduced populations of african wild dogs (lycaon pictus).the conservation of many fragmented and small populations of endangered african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) relies on understanding the natural processes affecting genetic diversity, demographics, and future viability. we used extensive behavioural, life-history, and genetic data from reintroduced african wild dogs in south africa to (1) test for inbreeding avoidance via mate selection and (2) model the potential consequences of avoidance on population persistence. results suggested that wild dogs ...201222615933
a simple visual estimation of food consumption in carnivores.belly-size ratings or belly scores are frequently used in carnivore research as a method of rating whether and how much an animal has eaten. this method provides only a rough ordinal measure of fullness and does not quantify the amount of food an animal has consumed. here we present a method for estimating the amount of meat consumed by individual african wild dogs lycaon pictus. we fed 0.5 kg pieces of meat to wild dogs being temporarily held in enclosures and measured the corresponding change ...201222567086
cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra in three captive african hunting dogs (lycaon pictus).pyometra and cystic endometrial hyperplasia are common in domestic canids and are suspected to develop as a consequence of elevated progesterone levels. reports of uterine pathology in exotic canids are limited, with some speculating of association with contraception. this report describes pyometra, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, and ovariohysterectomy in three african hunting dogs (lycaon pictus). ovarian corpora lutea were detected in two of the dogs, suggesting endogenous progesterone produc ...201222448515
spatial and temporal patterns of neutral and adaptive genetic variation in the endangered african wild dog (lycaon pictus).deciphering patterns of genetic variation within a species is essential for understanding population structure, local adaptation and differences in diversity between populations. whilst neutrally evolving genetic markers can be used to elucidate demographic processes and genetic structure, they are not subject to selection and therefore are not informative about patterns of adaptive variation. as such, assessments of pertinent adaptive loci, such as the immunity genes of the major histocompatibi ...201222320891
the effect of protected areas on pathogen exposure in endangered african wild dog (lycaon pictus) populations.infectious diseases impact african wild dogs (lycaon pictus), but the nature and magnitude of this threat likely varies among populations according to different factors, such as the presence and prevalence of pathogens and land-use characteristics. we systematically evaluated these factors to assist development of locally appropriate strategies to mitigate disease risk. wild dogs from 16 sites representing five unconnected populations were examined for rabies virus, canine distemper virus (cdv), ...201232226083
why is southern african canine babesiosis so virulent? an evolutionary perspective.abstract: canine babesiosis is a common, highly virulent disease in southern africa with even pups and juveniles being severely affected. this contrasts with bovine babesiosis, for example, where host, parasite and vector co-evolved and young animals develop immunity after infection without showing clinical signs. babesia rossi, the main causative organism of canine babesiosis in sub-saharan africa, was first described from a side-striped jackal (canis adustus) in kenya. although data are meagre ...201121489239
minimizing predation risk in a landscape of multiple predators: effects on the spatial distribution of african ungulates.studies that focus on single predator-prey interactions can be inadequate for understanding antipredator responses in multi-predator systems. yet there is still a general lack of information about the strategies of prey to minimize predation risk from multiple predators at the landscape level. here we examined the distribution of seven african ungulate species in the fenced karongwe game reserve (kgr), south africa, as a function of predation risk from all large carnivore species (lion, leopard, ...201121618919
multi-host pathogens and carnivore management in southern africa.a retrospective serosurvey of multi-host feline and canine viruses among carnivore species in southern africa (n=1018) identified widespread pathogen exposure even in remote protected areas. in contrast to mortality experienced in east african predators, canine distemper virus (cdv) infection among african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) in botswana was not associated with identifiable change in pup survivorship or disease related mortality of adults. a disease outbreak of unknown aetiology occurred i ...201019038454
development of a field-friendly technique for fecal steroid extraction and storage using the african wild dog (lycaon pictus).hormonal analysis provides information about wildlife populations, but is difficult to conduct in the field. our goal was to develop a rapid and effective field method for fecal steroid analysis by comparing: (1) three extraction methods (laboratory (lab), homogenize (ho) and handshake (hs)) and (2) two storage methods (solid-phase extraction (spe) tubes vs. plastic tubes (pt)). samples (n=23) from captive african wild dogs (lycaon pictus) were thoroughly mixed, three aliquots of each were weigh ...201019382160
Refresh
firstprev
12
nextlast
Displaying items 1 - 100 of 184