How Komondor Dogs Reduce Sheep Losses to Coyotes.

摘要: Nine Komondor dogs were observed guarding lambs in two 65ha enclosures for 21 days each. Each enclosure had P resident coyote chosen sheep-killing ability. Komondorok guarded sheep by being near the flock and actively defending it when necessary. Guarding was most effective area where spent of their time. Aggressive generally more successful protecting sheep. The learned to run or stand with attacked, ususlly bedded dog. coyotes attack dog not present. Effectiveness can be enhanced exploiting breed characteristics. Livestock guardian are common Old World (Coppinger Coppinger 1978) but virtually unknown United States before mid-1970’s. However, since 1972 Presidential ban on use Compound 1080 other toxicants, have enjoyed increasing popularity as an environmentally acceptable means reducing (Canis latrans) predation. A majority owners polled rated good excellent at losses (Green Woodruff 1980, Newbold 1980). Articles stockmen (Gerber 1974, Adams agree that reduce offer little reliable evidence how this is accomplished. Someauthoritiesare skeptical about (Wade 1978). U.S. Fish Wildlife Service, Denver Research Center, conducted a brief field evaluation one popularguardian breed, Hungarian Komondor, collect empirical data effectiveness dogs. Linhart et al. (1979) trained four adult (plural form) stay fenced pastures. Sheep kills decreased significantly during following ose dogs, suggesting they deterrent study unable determine reduced predation, although pheromones, barking, neophobia, coyote-dog encounters suggested possible explanations (Linhari 1979:240). In report we present results trial under controlled conditions. We also recommendations guardians. Our objectives protected from coyote, particularly behavioral interactions involved, answer some questions raised (1979). Methods trials 9 65-ha (160~acre) Experiment Station (USDA/ARS), Dub&, Ida. subjects 3-year efficacy using protect At time study, 26