Efforts going to the dogs? Evaluating attempts to re-introduce endangered wild dogs in South Africa

• Published in: The Journal of applied ecology Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 100 - 108
• Main Authors: Gusset, Markus, Ryan, Sadie J, Hofmeyr, Markus, Van Dyk, Gus, Davies-Mostert, Harriet T, Graf, Jan A, Owen, Cailey, Szykman, Micaela, Macdonald, David W, Monfort, Steven L, Wildt, David E, Maddock, Anthony H, Mills, M. Gus L, Slotow, Rob, Somers, Michael J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-02-2008; Blackwell Publishing; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; Blackwell Science
• Subjects: African wild dog; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Applied ecology; Biodiversity conservation; Biological and medical sciences; computer software; Conservation; Conservation biology; Dogs; Ecological modeling; Ecology; endangered species; evaluation; evidence-based conservation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Habitat conservation; information-theoretic approach; Lycaon pictus; Mammalia; Management, Movement and Corridors; mark; MARK software; meta‐population; monitoring; mortality; program evaluation; Protected areas; re‐introduction; simulation models; Species reintroduction; Survival analysis; Vertebrates: general zoology, morphology, phylogeny, systematics, cytogenetics, geographical distribution; wild animals; Wildlife conservation; Wildlife management; South Africa; Africa; Fissipedia; Carnivora; Metapopulation; Endangered species; meta-population; Conservation; monitoring; Survival; MARK; evidence-based conservation; evaluation; Vertebrata; Lycaon pictus; Mammalia; survival analysis; re-introduction; African wild dog
• ISSN: 0021-8901; 1365-2664
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2007.01357.x

1. We evaluated one of the most extensive efforts to date to re-introduce an endangered species: attempts to establish an actively managed meta-population of African wild dogs Lycaon pictus in South Africa. 2. Using an information-theoretic approach, known-fate modelling in program mark was employed to estimate the survival of re-introduced wild dogs and their offspring, and to model covariate effects relative to survival. Multiple a priori hypotheses on correlates of re-introduction success were tested (collated from extensive individual experiences) using different re-introduction attempts as natural quasi experiments. 3. Survival analyses revealed that the determinants of re-introduction success can be reduced to two factors relevant for management, suggesting that wild dog re-introductions should be attempted with socially integrated animals that are released into securely fenced areas, unless measures are implemented to mitigate human-related mortalities outside protected areas. 4. Synthesis and application. This study illustrates that monitoring and evaluation of conservation efforts, complimented with expert knowledge, forms the foundation of informed decision-making to underpin management recommendations with scientific evidence, particularly if the proposed actions are controversial.