This study provides a framework to assess the feasibility of reintroducing carnivores into an area, using African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) as an example. The Great Fish River Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, has been identified as a potential reserve to reintroduce wild dogs, and we applied this framework to provide a threat assessment of the surrounding area to determine potential levels of human-wildlife conflict. Although 56% of neighbouring landowners and local communities were positive about a wild dog reintroduction, data collected from questionnaire surveys revealed that human-wild dog conflict is a potential threat to wild dog survival in the area. Additional potential threats include diseases, snaring, poaching and hunting wild dogs for the use of traditional medicine. A threat index was developed to establish which properties harboured the greatest threats to wild dogs. This index was significantly influenced by the respondent’s first language (isiXhosa had more positive indices), education level (poorer education was synonymous with more positive threat indices), land use (wildlife ranching being the most negative) and land tenure (community respondents had more positive indices than private landowners). Although threats are present, they can be effectively mitigated through strategies such as carnivore education programs, vaccination campaigns and anti-snare patrols to promote a successful reintroduction of this endangered canid.
Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Zoology and Entomology Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa;Endangered Wildlife Trust, Modderfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa;Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Zoology and Entomology Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa;Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, East London, South Africa;Endangered Wildlife Trust, Modderfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
Recommended Citation:
Samantha K. Page,Daniel M. Parker,Dean M. Peinke,et al. Assessing the Potential Threat Landscape of a Proposed Reintroduction Site for Carnivores[J]. PLOS ONE,2015-01-01,10(3)