Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
Invasive species negatively impact biodiversity, human life, and property security. Dogs (Canis familiaris) are domesticated animals by humans, but many unrestrained dogs globally, referred to as free-roaming dogs, pose significant threats in many areas. The first objective of this project is to study four native carnivorous species as examples, which exhibit a certain degree of ecological niche partitioning in their natural state to facilitate coexistence. We hypothesize that the threats and resource occupation introduced by free-roaming dogs would compress the activity space and time of these four native species, leading to higher ecological niche overlaps. In the second objective of this project, we aim to predict the hotspots where free-roaming dogs negatively impact wildlife. We expect to apply the prediction to conservation action planning directly.
Results/Contributions

In this study, we hypothesize that the predation by free-ranging dogs will result in (1) a negative correlation between the relative activity index (RAI) of native carnivores and dogs, (2) increased spatiotemporal niche partitioning between native carnivores and dogs, and (3) decreased spatiotemporal niche partitioning among native carnivores. Data from 1270 camera traps were analyzed using occupancy modeling and kernel density estimation to assess species' spatial and temporal niche overlap changes. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between the RAI of dogs and ferret-badgers (P < 0.001), as well as dogs and crab-eating mongooses (P < 0.05). The ferret badger exhibited a significant spatial avoidance of dogs (Species Interaction Factor, SIF < 1), indicating spatial niche partitioning with dogs. However, the species’ activity patterns were not influenced by any factor. In conclusion, this study confirms the negative impacts of free-ranging dogs on the ferret badger and mongoose, suggesting further research to integrate other niche dimensions for a comprehensive understanding of the effects of dogs on the niche partitioning of native carnivores.

The second research objective of this study is currently underway, and no clear results have been generated yet.

Keywords
Camera trap, Resources competition, Occupancy model, Species distribution prediction model, Disease transmission
Contact Information
顏士清
yensc@mx.nthu.edu.tw