Relative abundance variation of dogs over a human presence gradient inside two private nature reserves (Tabio, Cundinamarca)

Abstract

Dogs are an important problem for conservation in different protected areas as they act as competitors, predators and/ or transmitters of diseases to wildlife. Private reserves, because of their small size and because they are commonly surrounded by rural areas from which dogs can enter are particularly vulnerable to this threat, which causes a problem for management of these protected areas. This study analyzes dog abundance variation within the joint area of two contiguous private protected areas, in the municipality of Tabio-Cundinamarca. The following methods were used for data collection: 1) camera trapping, 2) active search for dog tracks or individual dogs along the road network of both conservation zones, and 3) interviews to dog owners in rural homes surrounding the conservation area. It was found that dog relative abundance in the reserves varied along of a gradient of human presence and it was not related to cover type. The highest dog abundance was found between >100 to 200 m inside the reserves measured from the limit of them. It was shown that dogs entering the reserves come from rural homes located in the surrounding area the reserves.