Article
Attitudes of ranchers towards African wild dogs Lycaon pictus: Conservation implications on private land
Biological Conservation
(2005)
Abstract
In South Africa, wild dogs are limited to a single viable population in Kruger National Park. Current conservation efforts aim to develop a meta-population through the reintroduction of wild dogs into fenced reserves. However, significant potential also exists for conserving naturally occurring wild dogs in situ on ranchland. This study represents an assessment of the attitudes of southern African landowners towards wild dogs to determine the scope for conserving them on private land, and to identify the conditions under which conservation efforts might succeed. Over half of ranchers interviewed indicated that they would like to have wild dogs on their property. Younger ranchers were more positive than older ranchers, suggesting that traditional prejudices against wild dogs are fading. Attitudes were generally negative where ranches are game-fenced, and where cattle or consumptive wildlife utilisation dominate land use. Negative attitudes were typically related to economic costs associated with wild dogs, and conservation initiatives aimed at reducing costs or creating benefits from the species represent the most direct way to improve attitudes.Â
Disciplines
Publication Date
2005
Citation Information
Johan du Toit. "Attitudes of ranchers towards African wild dogs Lycaon pictus: Conservation implications on private land" Biological Conservation Vol. 125 Iss. 1 (2005) p. 113 - 121 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/johan_dutoit/124/