Study

Relationships between husbandry methods and sheep losses to canine predators

  • Published source details Robel R.J., Dayton A.D., Henderson F.R., Meduna R.L. & Spaeth C.W. (1981) Relationships between husbandry methods and sheep losses to canine predators. Journal of Wildlife Management, 45, 894-911.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Dispose of livestock carcasses to deter predation of livestock by mammals to reduce human-wildlife conflict

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Dispose of livestock carcasses to deter predation of livestock by mammals to reduce human-wildlife conflict

    A site comparison study in 1975–1976 of 97 sheep farms in Kansas, USA (Robel et al. 1981) found that when sheep carcasses were buried or removed, sheep losses to coyotes Canis latrans and dogs Canis lupus familiaris were reduced compared to leaving them on the pasture, but burning carcasses did not reduce predation. The proportion of sheep lost to coyotes or dogs each month was lower when carcasses were buried (0.05%) or removed (0.08%) than when they were left in place (0.14%). The rate when carcasses were burned (0.17%) did not differ from that of leaving them in place. Ninety-seven farms were studied, on which total sheep numbers varied through the study period from 14,578 to 17,023. Farmers recorded monthly sheep losses and husbandry methods for 15 months.

    (Summarised by: Phil Martin)

Output references
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