Where do livestock guardian dogs go? Movement patterns of free-ranging Maremma sheepdogs.

摘要: In many parts of the world, livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are a relatively new and increasingly popular method for controlling impact wild predators on livestock. On large grazing properties in Australia, LGDs often allowed to range freely over areas, with minimal supervision by their owners. How they behave this situation is mostly unknown. We fitted free-ranging Maremma sheepdogs GPS tracking collars three Victoria, Australia; two properties, four sheep were also collars. investigated how much time Maremmas spent livestock, far moved outside ranges stock, tested whether use sequentially, which an effective way maintaining presence area. The 95% kernel isopleth ranged between 31 1161 ha, 50% 4 252 ha. average 90% paddocks. Movements away from occurred at night, characterised high-speed travel straight paths, similar change activity edge range. used different sheep, had distinct early morning late afternoon peak activity. Our results show that while spend majority movements stock do occur. These could be important allowing maintain territories, increase effectiveness protection. Allowing can therefore useful management decision, but property size has enough accommodate areas use.