| As this animal nears extinction we explore
their ecological significance: |
As
a carnivore, African Wild Dogs 'weed out' sick or injured grazing
animals.
They also create competition with other carnivores making sure
the best predators survive. |
|
How does the presence of African Wild Dogs affect humans?
Do
humans benefit from ecological balance provided by African
Wild Dogs?
|
Negatively? Many believe that African Wild Dogs pose a
threat to livestock, however, according to studies, African
Wild Dogs rarely attack livestock.
Of course we
do!
It may not always be obvious but every day we live, we depend
heavily on the balance of ecology for food, clean water to
drink and fresh air to breathe. Remember, we are simply animals
too! |
|
How
have humans contributed to the decline of the African Wild
Dog population?
|
Domestic dogs (introduced by humans) have brought
disease to African Wild Dogs. These diseases include:
Rabies, Distemper,
Parvo virus, Adenovirus or Infections Hepatitus, Coronavirus,
Herpesvirus, etc. [Some projects are
advocating vaccinations for the wild dog populations to protect
them from these diseases]
Traffic-an increasing number of African Wild Dogs are injured
or killed by road traffic.
Direct persecution- to protect livestock, eliminate predators
of wild ungulates so that humans have a better selection
to hunt from, and hunting for sport.
Habitat Destruction!!! The biggest, most important, horribly
devastating way in which humans negatively influence not
only African Wild Dogs but all wildlife species!
|
|
| What other factors contribute to the population decline? |
Competition with other larger carnivores.
Limited food supply.
Predation by lions and occasionally hyenas. |
|
| And finally what role does the SSP play in all of this? |
Read about the African Wild Dog SSP Action Plan Goals |
