The ecological effects of livestock guarding dogs (LGDs) on target and non-target wildlife

摘要: Livestock guarding dogs (LGDs) are used across the world to reduce livestock depredation by free-ranging predatory wildlife. In doing so, they need for lethal predator control and considered beneficial conservation. However, LGDs might be perceived as predators wildlife induce a multitude of both positive negative ecological effects. We conducted literature review evaluate effects found 56 publications reporting interacting with or affecting Featuring in 77% publications, were widely reported chase kill wildlife, leading species-specific behavioural responses. A total 80 species affected LGDs, 11 which listed Near Threatened higher on IUCN Red List. Of species, 78% non-target suggesting that any benefits arising from use likely occur simultaneously unintended frequency LGD-wildlife interactions magnitude resulting have rarely been quantified. Therefore, more empirical studies needed determine net outcome LGD use, thereby ensuring outcomes minimised, while benefiting farmers