Komondor Guard Dogs Reduce Sheep Losses to Coyotes: A Preliminary Evaluation

Linhart, Samuel B.; Sterner, Ray T.; Carrigan, Timothy C.; Henne, Donald R.

doi:10.2307/3897131

Cited by 53 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 5 publications

(3 reference statements)

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“…However, sample size was small and the researchers did not make direct observations on LPD behaviour while defending the bait stations. Linhart et al (1979) provided the only field-trial evidence of the effectiveness of LPDs against coyotes. They found that LPDs reduced sheep depredations by coyotes on three ranches over a 20-day period, and coyotes appeared to be displaced from ranches for an additional 20 days after the LPDs were removed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utility of livestock-protection dogs for deterring wildlife from cattle farms

et al. 2010

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Context. Livestock producers worldwide are negatively affected by livestock losses because of predators and wildlifetransmitted diseases. In the western Great Lakes Region of the United States, this conflict has increased as grey wolf (Canis lupus) populations have recovered and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have served as a wildlife reservoir for bovine tuberculosis (Myobacterium bovis).Aims. We conducted field experiments on cattle farms to evaluate the effectiveness of livestock-protection dogs (LPDs) for excluding wolves, coyotes (C. latrans), white-tailed deer and mesopredators from livestock pastures.Methods. We integrated LPDs on six cattle farms (treatment) and monitored wildlife use with tracking swaths on these farms, concurrent with three control cattle farms during [2005][2006][2007][2008]. The amount of time deer spent in livestock pastures was recorded using direct observation.Key results. Livestock pastures protected by LPDs had reduced use by these wildlife compared with control pastures not protected by LPDs. White-tailed deer spent less time in livestock pastures protected by LPDs compared with control pastures not protected by LPDs.Conclusions. Our research supports the theory that LPDs can be an effective management tool for reducing predation and disease transmission. We also demonstrate that LPDs are not limited to being used only with sheep and goats; they can also be used to protect cattle.Implications. On the basis of our findings, we support the use of LPDs as a proactive management tool that producers can implement to minimise the threat of livestock depredations and transmission of disease from wildlife to livestock. LPDs should be investigated further as a more general conservation tool for protecting valuable wildlife, such as ground-nesting birds, that use livestock pastures and are affected by predators that use these pastures.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Utility of livestock-protection dogs for deterring wildlife from cattle farms

et al. 2010

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“…The use of LPDs in Europe has resurged as large predator species have recovered (Ribeiro and Petrucci-Fonseca 2004); for example, more than 1000 LPDs are now working in the Alps. In North America, the use ot LPDs has been a relatively recent phenomenon, initiated only in the 1970s (Linhart et al 1979). By 2004, 32% of sheep producers were using LPDs to protect their livestock in the United States (NASS 2005), where LPDs are used principally to protect sheep from coyotes (Cfl;i¿s latrans).…”

Section: History Of Use Of Iivestock Protection Dogsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Livestock Protection Dogs in the 21st Century: Is an Ancient Tool Relevant to Modern Conservation Challenges?

Gehring¹,

VerCauteren²,

2010

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Europe and North America share a similar history in the extirpation and subsequent recovery of large carnivore and ungulate species. Both continents face challenges and opportunities for managing human-wildlife conflict at the junction of livestock production and wildlife conservation. Prédation of livestock and disease transmission between wildlife and livestock is an ongoing and escalating worldwide issue. In order to manage ihis conflict, producers need effective tools, and they have used livestock protection dogs (LPDs) for reducing prédation for well over 2000 years.We review the history of the use of LPDs, including the loss ofinjormation on their use and the paucity ofscientißc research on their effectiveness. We discuss the potential for LPDs to be integral components in modern-day livestock husbandry and outline future directions to pursue.

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“…Guard dogs were investigated in the late 1970s and 1980s in the United States (Linhart et al 1979, Green et al 1984 and have been largely incorporated into western US sheep production operations; indeed, by 1993, 65 percent of the sheep producers in Colorado were using guard dogs Hopper 2000). Dogs are thought to be effective against wolves in parts of Europe (Rigg 2001, Fritts et al 2003.…”

Section: Tools and Conceptsmentioning

confidence: 99%