The spatial ecology of domestic dogs along Kenya's Human, Wildlife and Livestock interface

Domestic dogs represent an ecologically important host and reservoir for many wildlife diseases known to impact endangered carnivores. Developing a deeper understanding of the spatial and behavioral ecology of domestic dogs... [ view full abstract ]

Domestic dogs represent an ecologically important host and reservoir for many wildlife diseases known to impact endangered carnivores. Developing a deeper understanding of the spatial and behavioral ecology of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) is therefore essential for mitigating disease transmission between domestic animals and wildlife, especially for large carnivores of conservation concern (e.g., lions and wild dogs). In addition, functional roles (e.g. herding, companion, and guardian) performed by dogs can affect their behavior and ultimately their movement patterns, potentially impacting disease dynamics in different ways. Using a population of dogs in Kenya’s Laikipia County, we set out to examine how differential space use patterns associated with different functional roles impact pathogen dynamics. Applying new GPS tracking technologies (iGotU data loggers), we collared 40 domestic dogs (30 males; 10 females) across two community ranches (Koija and Il Motiok). Based on owner interviews, we classified dogs into one of two categories, ‘herding’ and ‘home’ dogs. To date, an equal number of herding versus home dogs (20 and 20) have been monitored since March 2015, recording GPS locations every 15 minutes. Spatial patterns qualitatively indicate that both herding and home dogs appear to maintain close associations with their home bomas, although individuals utilized multiple bomas throughout the study period. Results from the wet season (April and May) indicate that domestic dogs infrequently move into surrounding conservancies, with dogs found along conservancy borders showing more frequent incursions. Continual monitoring of these dogs for a full year combined with monthly sampling of blood and quarterly collections of parasites will allow us to determine how both spatial ecology and dog behavior influence the overall health and pathogen burdens of these individuals. Our study provides one of the most in-depth assessments of domestic dog ecology and pathogen burdens along Kenya’s human-wildlife-livestock interface, providing vital information for effective management of carnivore communities.