Coyote depredation control: an interface between biology and management

摘要: Predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) on livestock continues to plague producers in the United States. Agricultural interests are concerned about coyote predation because sheep inventories U.S.have declined >85% past 60 years, with a 25% decline between 1991 and 1996. This numbers has been attributed low economic returns among producers, cited as major causative factor. Generalizations magnitude nature of depredations can be misleading varied operations, including size differences management, environmental circumstances surrounding individual operations. Coyote depredation rates appear influenced management practices, biology behavior, factors, programs. Most nonlethal control techniques fall within operational purview producers. The controversy regarding focuses programs that remove prevent or curtail domestic stock, especially public lands. Differences magnitude, nature, history problems caused coyotes, well which they occur, dictates need for variety resolve problems. resolution upon remains controversial resource managers, general public. Because various segments society attach different values should use integrate social, legal, economic, biological aspects animals problem. Preferred solutions involve procedures solve effectively, efficiently, economically possible least intrusive most benign ways. requires partnership wildlife managers tailor specific damage situations so appropriate selected. paper attempts clarify issues synthesize current research, provide information associated management. synthesis integrates understandings producing enterprises, merits strategies techniques.