Direct interactions between livestock guarding dogs and wildlife in a transhumance grazing system

Abstract

Livestock guarding dogs (LGDs) are suggested to help facilitate human–wildlife coexistence because they are considered effective at preventing livestock losses and reducing persecution of predators. However, LGDs have been observed harassing and killing wildlife, yet their interactions with wildlife are seldom purposefully investigated. This study documents LGD–wildlife interactions in the southern Carpathian Mountains, Romania, where on average five to eight LGDs are used as part of a transhumance grazing system to protect sheep from bears and wolves. Thirteen shepherds were interviewed about their LGDs' behaviors and wildlife remains were identified in their LGDs' scats. All shepherds reported that their LGDs chased predators as well as other non-target wildlife. Seven reported wildlife had been injured or killed by their LGDs but these instances were said to be rare. Wildlife were found in 28% of the LGD scats but mostly consisted of insects with only 9% of scats containing vertebrate wildlife remains. The occurrence of LGD–wildlife interactions was not affected by the number of LGDs used together but did align with whether or not shepherds encouraged LGDs to chase non-target wildlife. These findings lend support to existing evidence that LGDs can be used as a conservation tool without substantial negative effects on wildlife when managed appropriately.