The spatial and temporal displacement of native species by domestic dogs

Domestic dogs have been predicted to be a high risk to 10 % of mammal and 11 % of bird species across mainland Southeast Asia. Within Thailand their population is estimated at over 12 million and 80 % live in rural areas where they adopt a free-ranging lifestyle. This lifestyle enables them to enter protected forests without restrictions. To access the spatial and temporal impacts domestic dogs have on local wildlife a two-year camera trap study was undertaken in a fragmented forest complex in Northern Thailand. Co-occurrence modelling was used to estimate the impacts of domestic dogs on a native predator (golden jackal) and prey (green peafowl) specie's occurrence probability. Temporal segregation was accessed using activity pattern overlaps and compared to Huai Kha Khaeng, a more protected and unfragmented forest complex. Although the results from the co-occurrence models did not find any spatial segregation, it was found that temporal avoidance was occurring in the protected areas with domestic dogs and golden jackal having a clear temporal niche, this temporal separation was lessened in the unfragmented forest. Additionally, over 3x more humans were independently photographed than any other species and 2.5x more domestic dogs were independently photographed than golden jackal in the fragmented protected areas. Ultimately, working in partnership with the local community on approaches that will reduce domestic dogs presence in the forest is essential along with a stringent population management plan in order to lower the number of free-ranging dogs in the area.

Automated summary

In Thailand, there are over 12 million domestic dogs, with 80% living in rural areas and adopting a free-ranging lifestyle. A two-year study found that domestic dogs can enter protected forests and have temporal separation with golden jackals. Therefore, it is essential to work with the local community to reduce the presence of domestic dogs in the forest and implement a strict population management plan.