Mortality Threats to Birds - Feral Dog (Canis familiaris)
Overview
A feral dog is untamed and lives and breeds in the wild. Dogs released on islands eat the eggs, chicks and adults of colonial nesting seabirds. They are prone to diseases such as rabies and can add to the water-borne protozoan disease giardiasis. Feral dogs eat birds, small and large mammals, and livestock, and will aggressively attack people. They form packs and can survive in a wide range of habitats.
Description
In appearance, most are difficult or impossible to distinguish from tame dogs. Feral dogs travel in packs and may mate with coyotes. They are opportunistic feeders, eating a wide variety of food. Feral dogs are active from dusk to dawn and occur near people or where people have abandoned them.
Birds Affected
Feral dogs are known to kill Hawaiian Goose (Nene); Bermuda Petrel; Black Storm-Petrel; Bristle-thighed Curlew; Laysan Albatross.
Control
Feral dogs can be difficult to control because of emotional issues. They are trapped using live box traps, No. 3 or 4 steel leg hold traps, or snares, and controlled by aerial shooting. Exclosure fencing can be used to protect sensitive areas. More public education is needed on responsible dog ownership, spay/neuter programs, and dog leash laws. |
