African Wild Dog, Species Survival Plan

• Reproduction
  • Assisted Reproduction - development of techniques for artificial insemination and gamete transfer
  • Genome Banking - determine a location for banking, international coordination with other captive populations and wild populations and establishment of a database of physiologic normals and disease/disease exposure.
  • *Contraception - Current recommendation, continue development of alternative contraceptive that are safe, reversible and with less side effects.
  • Reproductive Success - study the factors associated with breeding success
  • Endocrine/Physiological Studies - understand the physiological mechanisms that determine breeding success and add to the baseline species database
• Space Issues
  • *Group Size - encourage studies that improve our ability to maintain larger social groups in captivity.  The ability to maintain larger social groups in captivity could increase display value, space utilization and contribute to a more enriched environment for the animals.
  • *Group Dynamics - develop strategies for multi-generational packs and/or single sex groups management of larger social groups.
• Animal Welfare Issues
  • Animal Care Standards - develop, maintain and provide upon request minimum animal care standards
• Husbandry
  • *Manual/Training Materials - publish and distribute husbandry manual and other training opportunities, i.e. video.
  • Encourage informational exchange between institutions.
  • Behavioral Assessment - Increase the fundamental knowledge of the influences of behavior and husbandry or environmental factors on management
  • Introduction/Reintroduction - Identify the key factors influencing introduction/reintroduction success
  • Enrichment - Compile institutional enrichment strategies
  • Operant Conditioning - Compile training behaviors that are currently being used for medical and behavioral management
  • *Current Issues of Concern - keep institutional representatives apprised of current management issues.
  • *Managing Parturition - study the current practices to develop a model for successful pack rearing of pups.
• Medical
  • *Vaccine Trials - contribute to development of vaccines that promote health of wild dog populations.
  • Infectious Diseases - contribute to studies that evaluate wild dog diseases
  • Pathology Review - develop necropsy protocols and determine common causes of death within the captive population
  • Genetic Review - Provide assistance to identify factors associated with relatedness in the wild dog population 
• Field Conservation
  • *Range Country Surveys - Support census surveys in range countries.
  • Wild Dog/People Conflict Resolution - provide aid and support for programs
  • *Continuous Monitoring Programs - provide aid and support for programs
  • Development of Field Technologies - provide opportunities within the captive population for development of field technologies
• Development Public Relations/Education/Marketing
  • Support and Develop In-Situ and Ex-Situ Education Programs
  • Develop Public Relations Strategy
  • Develop Marketing Strategy