Domestic dog-wildlife interactions and support for pet regulations in protected areas

Abstract

Effective management of non-native species in protected areas is fundamental for biodiversity conservation on a global level. In recent years, the extent of protected areas has increased along with the human population, and this has led to negative anthropic impacts within and along the edges of these areas. In particular, a non-native species, the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), has become one of the main threats to wildlife in anthropized areas and their surroundings. Through an online survey we evaluated the relationship between four aspects that link society with dogs, wildlife and protected areas: i) awareness of dog-wildlife interaction, ii) appreciation of protected areas and wildlife, iii) level of concern about aggressive events on the part of dogs towards wildlife and people, and iv) level of agreement with measures to regulate dog access to protected areas. We also sought to map the potential threat of dogs to wildlife. We found that free-roaming dogs are widespread throughout Argentina: they are present in at least 78.5 % of the protected areas visited by respondents. The greater respondents' awareness of dog-wildlife interaction, the more concerned they were about dog attacks and the less they agreed with allowing dogs access to protected areas. Respondents' concerns about the threats from dogs depended on how often they had witnessed dog attacks on wildlife and their appreciation of protected areas and wildlife. A multidisciplinary management plan for free-roaming dogs is urgently needed. This should include controlling populations in sensitive areas, and conducting outreach campaigns on responsible pet ownership.