Behaviour of village dogs in coastal Mexico

Ruiz-Izaguirre, E., Eilers, K., Bokkers, E. A., Ortolani, A., Ortega-Pacheco, A., & de Boer, I. J. (2014). Human–dog interactions and behavioural responses of village dogs in coastal villages in Michoacán, Mexico. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.


In Mexican villages, most households keep dogs that roam freely. Therefore, socialisation of village dogs occurs in a different context than that of companion dogs in developed countries. The objectives of this study x: (1) to assess village dogs’ behavioural responses towards familiar and unfamiliar humans, (2) to compare body condition of dogs living in a village with a seasonal trade in international tourism (IT-village) with dogs living in a village located in the vicinity of a sea-turtle nesting site (STN-village), and (3) to identify whether dog characteristics influence dog behaviour and body condition.

Two coastal villages in Michoacán, Mexico, were selected as case study sites. Fifty-nine dogs were initially visited, 35 of which were repeatedly visited during the high and low seasons for international tourism and sea-turtle nesting. Caregivers were interviewed regarding human–dog interactions, and dogs were behaviourally tested and rated for body condition. Behavioural indicators were: 1) the dog's qualitative response to a caregiver's call and 2) the dog's willingness to approach an unfamiliar human. Additionally, a dog census per village was conducted to ascertain the dog population structure. Dogs were kept by over 60% of households in both villages. Body condition was optimal for 68% of the dogs. In the low season, dogs in the STN-village had better body condition than dogs in IT-village (P = 0.007). Dog characteristics that influenced behavioural responses were: sex, age, and whether the dog played with humans. The most common response to the caregiver's call was tail wagging, shown by 83% of male dogs and 50% of female dogs (P=0.021). About 70% of the pups approached the unfamiliar human completely, whereas only 24% of the juveniles (P =0.040) and 26% of the adults did so (P =0.026). Human–dog play was reported to occur mainly with children (77%). The percentage of dogs that played with humans was higher in dogs responding with tail wagging (82%) than in dogs showing the rest of the response categories (withdrawal, baring teeth, and other) (50%) (P =0.012). Human—dog play was reported for 85% of the male dogs compared to 55% of the female dogs (P=0.036). This study showed that village dogs were socialised to familiar humans but were not attracted to unfamiliar humans. Village dogs maintained their body condition in the low season. Child–dog play may have a role in shaping village dog social behaviour towards humans.

Pet cats' impact on prey populations

Barratt, D. 1994. Using theory and scientific experience to assess the impact of house-based domestic cats Felis catus (L.) on prey populations and prey community structure. Urban animal management conference proceedings - Canberra. Australia.

This paper attempts to apply theory from more than 100 years of scientific experience and experimentation in predator-prey ecology and introduced species ecology to predict the likely effects of predation by domestic cats (Felis catus) on prey populations and community structure. Those aspects of the predatory behaviour of domestic cats which are of most importance in predicting their impact on prey populations: I) the degree of prey selectivity or 'dietary preference'; 2) the exhibition of switching behaviour; 3) changes in predatory activity in response to changes in prey density; and 4) the extent to which high and constant densities of the predator are ameliorated by reduced prey consumption rates as a result of dietary supplement.

In suburban environments, the influence of predation by domestic cats on prey abundance and community structure probably increases, relative to the influence of habitat change, with increasing suburb age, particularly in the absence of physical disturbances such as fire. However, it may never be as important as habitat availability and indeed may never be significant at all. Removal of the predator may allow some animal species to increase in abundance but others may decline. The details of these changes are very difficult to predict. Similarly, following predator removal, total species diversity is as likely to decline due to increased inter-specific competition, as it is to increase due to the invasion of species previously excluded by predation.
In remnant habitat, the impact of predation by domestic cats is probably less likely to be important in determining the relative abundance of the more common species than in suburban environments, but more likely to contribute to local extinctions of rare species. As in suburban environments, predation on introduced species in remnant habitat may reduce predation on native species. However, the ability of domestic cats to control introduced species which prey on, or compete with, native species will be difficult to demonstrate. In light of this uncertainty, any attempt to prevent domestic cats hunting in remnant habitat patches should be integrated with a program to eliminate or control populations of other introduced species, such as black rats and rabbits, which are preyed upon by domestic cats and are known to prey on or compete with native species.

Ecology of a feral cat population in rural Northern Italy

Genovesi, P., Besa, M., & Toso, S. (1995). Ecology of a feral cat Felis catus population in an agricultural area of northern Italy. Wildlife Biology, 1: 233-237.

The ecology of a feral cat population in an intensively cultivated region of northern Italy was studied. The study area is a land accretion territory, reclaimed in the early 1970s, characterised by the absence of any food source of human origin (e.g. garbage dumps, farms, houses) and surrounded by a continuous irrigation channel that is likely to limit immigration/emigration of cats. The cat population was censused for two successive years using the sighting-resighting method; spacing patterns were studied by means of radio-telemetry; hunting behaviour was assessed by observation. Feral cats avoided any direct contact with humans, and reproduced in the wild. The density of the population remained stable throughout the study period. Turnover appeared very high, and was remarkably higher than that of cats regularly fed by humans. Very low densities, large home range sizes, solitary habits, territorial patterns similar to those of the wildcat, seasonal parturition, and prevalence of hunting activity were found. We speculate that these patterns are related to the peculiar conditions of resource availability and dispersion in the study area. Our results indicate that feral cats, even in agricultural areas and in the absence of any food provided by humans, have solitary habits and low densities, thus confirming a key role of resource availability and dispersion on the ecology of carnivores.

Cats on Dassen Island

Apps, P. 1984. Cats on Dassen Island. Acta Zool. Fennica, 172: 115-116.

Dassen Island, a small island off the west coast of South Africa, is an important nesting site for sea birds. Introduced mammals include Felis catus and Oryctolagus cuniculus. Studies on the ecological impact of the feral cat population showed that birds and rabbits contributed almost equally to the diet of the cats, but that most of the birds were scavenged, so that the impact of cat predation on their populations was insignificant, while rabbits were hunted and the effect may have been ecologically important. The cats' ecological role was influenced strongly by their behaviour, which must be considered in the planning of conservation or control measures.

Complex interactions between wolves and dogs

Lescureux, N., & Linnell, J. D. (2014). Warring brothers: The complex interactions between wolves (Canis lupus) and dogs (Canis familiaris) in a conservation context. Biological Conservation, 171, 232-245.

Although both wolves and dogs have been the subjects of numerous studies in many disciplines, the complex relationships between them have not yet been synthesized within a common review, and neither has it been placed in a holistic conservation context. Information and data are spread across numerous publications from different disciplines that rarely interact. Dogs have become the most common carnivore and their population is still increasing. In a context of wolf recovery in multi-use landscapes, there is a growing concern among conservationists for the potential negative impact of dogs on wolf conservation. With this paper we aim to review the numerous and complex interactions existing between wolves and dogs, using literature from disciplines as diverse as history, archeology, anthropology, genetics, ecology, and epidemiology in order to better understand the wolf–dog relationship and its potential impact on wolf conservation. Starting with their phylogenetic relationship and following a summary of the current knowledge on the dog’s ancestry we explore how dogs can represent a direct threat for wolves through hybridization, disease transfer and competition. The review highlights a number of ways in which dogs can impact wolf conservation, although a general lack of data and conclusive studies is a common theme that emerges for many topics. Then we analyse how dogs can mitigate human–wolf conflicts through their role as livestock guardians or wolf hunters. Finally we describe the complex phenomenon of wolf predation on dogs before discussing the wolf–dog relationships in general, with a special focus on including a more anthropological perspective. The review highlights the diversity of interactions between wolves and dogs, that can be both negative and positive for wolf conservation. However, more important than these direct impacts, the review highlights how the wolf–dog relationship challenges human attempts to construct simple dichotomies between wild and domestic, or between nature and culture. The borders between these concepts are in fact much more fluid and elusive than is often appreciated, and wolf conservation must adapt to this more complex reality.



See more on hybridization between dogs and wild canids 

Monitoring feral dog’s population at Isla de Cedros

García-Aguilar, M.C. 2012. Monitoring feral dog’s population at Isla de Cedros, Baja California, and the associated threats over native mastofauna. Acta Zoológica Mexicana (n. s.), 28(1): 37-48.

Monitoring introduced species is an important management tool in order to preserve native species. The aim of this study was to monitor the feral dog’s population in Isla de Cedros and to identify actual and potential threats of their presence over the native mastofauna. Data were collected at two sampling areas of the island, the Northeast Coast (CNE) and the Central-South Region (RCS). Dog’s distribution pattern and density was assess using a non-invasive method based on scat counts along transect surveys and relative density (R) and faecal relative abundance index (fRAI) were estimated. Dog’s diet composition was evaluated by scat analysis. Both R and fRAI were significant greater (P < 0.05) in the CNE than in the RCS. The results showed that feral dogs are feeding from at least three endemic terrestrial mammal species (the mule deer, the brush rabbit, and the Anthony’s pocket mouse) and two pinnipeds species (the northern elephant seal and the California sea lion). With this study provide a useful baseline for future comparison and monitoring and control purposes. Nevertheless, it is necessary to conduct studies about the dog’s feeding behavior to measure their predatory activity and to assess the associated damage level. Also, due to the fact that interactions between dogs and pinnipeds appeared frequently and because they are phylogenetically related, the greatest threat of the dog’s presence is that it could be a disease vector, with serious health outcomes for the wildlife.


García-Aguilar, M. C. 2012. Monitoreo de la población de perros ferales en la Isla de Cedros, Baja California, y las amenazas a la mastofauna nativa. Acta Zoológica Mexicana (n. s.), 28(1): 37-48.

El monitoreo de especies introducidas es una herramienta importante para preservar las especies nativas. El objetivo de este estudio fue monitorear a la población de perros ferales en la Isla de Cedros e identificar las amenazas actuales y potenciales de su presencia sobre la mastofauna nativa. La colecta de datos se realizó en dos áreas de la isla, la costa noreste (CNE) y la región centro-sur (RCS). Los patrones de distribución y la densidad de los perros se determinaron con un método no invasivo basado en el conteo de excretas a lo largo de transectos y se estimó la densidad relativa (R) y el índice de abundancia relativa fecal (fRAI). La composición de la dieta se evaluó por medio del análisis de las excretas. Tanto los valores de R como de fRAI fueron significativamente mayores (P < 0.05) en CNE que en RCS. Los resultados mostraron que los perros se alimentan de al menos tres especies de mamíferos endémicos (el venado bura, el conejo matorralero y el ratón de abazones de Cedros) y de dos especies de pinnípedos (el elefante marino del norte y el lobo marino de California). A partir de este estudio se cuenta con una línea de base que podrá ser usada en los programas de control y monitoreo futuros. Sin embargo, es necesario desarrollar estudios sobre el comportamiento alimentario de los perros para evaluar su actividad predatoria y medir el nivel de daño asociado; además, dado que las interacciones entre pinnípedos y perros parecen ser frecuentes y están relacionados filogenéticamente, posiblemente la mayor amenaza de la presencia de los perros sea la propagación de enfermedades infeccionas, con graves resultados para la vida silvestre.

Biology and ecology of feral, free-roaming, and stray cats in California

Ogan, C. V., & Jurek, R. M. (1997). Biology and ecology of feral, free-roaming, and stray cats. In Mesocarnivores of northern California: biology, management, and survey techniques, workshop manual (pp. 87-92).

No abstract available. Click for full-text

Efficacy of an ultrasonic cat deterrent

Nelson, S. H., Evans, A. D., & Bradbury, R. B. (2006). The efficacy of an ultrasonic cat deterrent. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 96(1), 83-91.

Ultrasound deterrents for a variety of mammals, including cats, are widely available in the commercial market, but few have been independently tested for efficacy. This study tested the efficacy of an ultrasonic cat deterrent ‘Catwatch©’, using 63 and 96 volunteer observers in two long-running (18 and 33 weeks) blind experiments. Results indicated that the device did have a moderate deterrent effect, reducing the probability of a cat intrusion into a garden by approximately 32% in the first experiment, but not in the second. The average duration of intrusions was reduced by approximately 38 and 22% in the two experiments, respectively. The magnitude of the deterrent effect appeared to increase with time, since the device was deployed. It is likely that the size of the deterrent effect could be increased by positioning the device(s) more carefully with regard to entry points to the garden that are regularly used by cats.

Cat nabbed raiding "the mothership"

April 22nd 2010: 

"The Mothership" is a massive beech tree on the southern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, which can house more than 1000 short-tailed bats.

In the space of 7 days, one cat killed a total of 102 endemic shot-tailed bats, and these only the ones that were found.

Acceptability of proposed cat regulations in Australia

Lilith, M., Calver, M., Styles, I., & Garkaklis, M. (2006). Protecting wildlife from predation by owned domestic cats: application of a precautionary approach to the acceptability of proposed cat regulations. Austral Ecology, 31(2), 176-189.


While it is undeniable that owned domestic cats Felis catus (Mammalia: Felidae) kill large numbers of wildlife, it is contentious if this has significant impacts on wildlife populations. Under the precautionary principle such uncertainty does not preclude measures to reduce putative risk, but action should follow consultation with stakeholders. To initiate such consultation for the City of Armadale, Western Australia, we surveyed urban and rural residents to determine their opinions regarding putative impacts of owned cats on wildlife and the acceptability of proposed regulations. Key statements accepted by 70% or more of respondents, irrespective of their residence, gender or cat ownership status, included: (i) there is a need to regulate owned domestic cats; (ii) the presence of cats in nature reserves is harmful to wildlife; (iii) cats not owned by licensed breeders should be desexed; and (iv) local councils should be empowered to restrict the maximum number of cats per household. Seventy per cent or more of owners agreed to keep their cats on their property from sunset to sunrise and to register them if these measures became compulsory. All groups except urban men also indicated 70% or greater willingness to keep their cats on their property constantly if required. However, fewer than 40% of owners supported empowering local councils to enforce cat-free zones. In this community, cat regulation excluding cat-free zones should enjoy support. Similar approaches should be effective wherever the environmental impacts of owned domestic cats are debated, because compliance with such regulations should be high.

Predation of Birds at Feeders in Winter

Dunn, E. H., & Tessaglia, D. L. (1994). Predation of Birds at Feeders in Winter (Depredación de Aves en Comederos Durante el Invierno). Journal of Field Ornithology, 65 (1) 8-16.

A continentwide survey of homes with bird feeders produced 567 reports documenting 1138 incidents of predation. Of the 25 species of predators recorded, three (Sharp-shinned Hawk, Accipiter striatus; domestic cat; Cooper's Hawk, A cooperii) were responsible for 80% of the incidents in which the predator was known. Ten of the 62 species of prey identified accounted for 92% of all victims. The birds most vulnerable to predation were those that commonly occur at feeders throughout the continent (i.e., the most widespread species), but additionally, flocking species were more vulnerable to avian predators than more solitary ones. Prey size was correlated to size of avian predators, but cats concentrated on small birds. Hawks were attracted to feeders with particularly high levels of bird activity, but cats were not. The bird-feeding environment does not appear to expose birds to a higher risk of predation than is encountered in the absence of feeders.

Se hizo una encuesta, a nivel continental, en residencias en donde se les provee de comederos a aves, que produjo 567 informes en los cuales se documentan 1138 incidentes de depredación. De las 25 especies de depredadores informados tres de éstos, a saber Accipiter striatus, A. cooperii y el gato doméstico, fueron responsables del 80% de los incidentes en donde el depredador fue identificado. Diez de las 62 especies que sirvieron como presas, formaron el 92% de todas las víctimas. Las aves más vulnerables a la depredación fueron aquellas que más comúnmente utilizan comederos artificiales a nivel continental (ej. las especies más ampliamente distribuidas). No obstante las aves que se alimentan en grupos resultaron más vulnerables que las que lo hacen de forma solitaria. El tamaño de la presa se correlacionó al tamaño del depredador, aunque los gatos concentraron sus esfuerzos en aves pequeñas. Los halcones fueron atraídos a comederos, con altos niveles de actividad aviar, mientras que ocurrió lo opuesto con los gatos. Los ambientes en donde hay comederos artificiales no parecen exponer a las aves a un riesgo mayor de depredación, que en lugares en donde éstos no se encuentran.

Semi-ownership and sterilisation of cats and dogs in Thailand

Toukhsati, S. R., Phillips, C. J., Podberscek, A. L., & Coleman, G. J. (2012). Semi-Ownership and Sterilisation of Cats and Dogs in Thailand. Animals, 2(4), 611-627.


The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of cat and dog semi-ownership in Thailand and factors that predict sterilisation. Semi-ownership was defined as interacting/caring for a companion animal that the respondent does not own, such as a stray cat or dog. A randomised telephone survey recruited 494 Thai nationals residing in Thailand. The findings revealed that 14% of respondents (n = 71) engaged in dog semi-ownership and only 17% of these dogs had been sterilised. Similarly, 11% of respondents (n = 55) engaged in cat semi-ownership and only 7% were known to be sterilised. Using Hierarchical Multiple Regression, the findings showed that 62% and 75% of the variance in intentions to sterilise semi-owned dogs and cats, respectively, was predicted by religious beliefs, and psychosocial factors such as attitudes, perceived pressure from others, and perceived behavioural control. Community awareness campaigns that approach the issue of sterilisation in a way that is consistent with cultural and religious traditions using Thai role models, such as veterinarians, may go some way in reducing stray animal population growth.

Home range of neutered cats

Guttilla, D. A., & Stapp, P. (2010). Effects of sterilization on movements of feral cats at a wildland-urban interface. Journal of Mammalogy, 91(2), 482-489.

Trap–neuter–release (TNR) programs, in which feral cats are sterilized and fed in unconfined colonies, have been advocated as a humane and effective way to reduce the impacts of feral cats on native wildlife. Little is known, however, about the effects of sterilization on feral cat movements and space use, particularly where colonies are located near natural areas. We determined home-range area and overlap and characterized the long-range movements of 14 sterilized and 13 intact radiocollared cats on Catalina Island, California, from 2002 to 2004. Male home ranges were significantly larger than those of females, but no significant differences were revealed in home-range areas or overlap between sterilized and intact cats. Cats regularly moved between natural habitats in the interior of the island and human-populated areas regardless of sex or treatment status, although most (68%; 17/25) of the cats that moved long distances were female. Island-wide, the cat population was estimated to be 600–750 cats, with >70% associated with developed areas, including existing TNR colonies. The influx of subsidized cats to natural habitats, combined with their high vagility and low trappability, makes TNR an unlikely solution for controlling feral cats on a large, rugged island like Catalina and, more generally, in other locations where human populations abut ecologically sensitive areas.

Habitat selection of feral cats on Stewart island

Harper, G. A. (2007). Habitat selection of feral cats (Felis catus) on a temperate, forested island. Austral Ecology, 32(3), 305-314.

Habitat selection of mammalian predators is known to be influenced by availability and distribution of prey. The habitat selection of feral cats on Stewart Island, southern New Zealand, was investigated using telemetry of radio-tagged cats. Compositional analysis of the habitat selection of radio-tagged cats showed they were using the available habitats non-randomly. Feral cats avoided subalpine shrubland and preferentially selected podocarp-broadleaf forest. The avoidance of subalpine shrubland by cats was probably due to a combination of the presence of a large aggressive prey species, Norway rats Rattus norvegicus, and the lack of rain-impervious shelter there. Most cats also used subalpine shrubland more often in dry weather than in wet weather. Cats did not preferentially select all the other habitats with only smaller rat species, Rattus rattus and Rattus exulans, present however. Cats were probably further influenced by the availability of large trees, in podocarp-broadleaf forest, that can provide shelter. Cats were also more active in dry rather than wet weather which supports this conclusion. Home ranges of feral cats on Stewart Island were some of the largest recorded, probably because of limited primary and alternative prey.

Population dynamics of feral cats in relation to prey abundance

Harper, G. A. (2005). Numerical and functional response of feral cats (Felis catus) to variations in abundance of primary prey on Stewart Island (Rakiura), New Zealand. Wildlife Research, 32(7), 597-604.

Few studies of populations of feral cats have simultaneously monitored the seasonal abundance of primary prey and the possible ‘prey-switch’ to alternative prey when primary prey abundance declines. On Stewart Island, when the abundance of feral cats’ primary prey, rats (Rattus spp.), was very low, significantly more cats died or left the study area than when rats were abundant. Cats preferentially preyed on rats regardless of rat abundance. Birds were the main alternative prey but cats did not prey-switch to birds when rat abundance was low, possibly owing to the difficulty of capture, and small mass, of birds compared with rats. On Stewart Island numbers of feral cats are restricted by seasonal depressions in abundance of their primary prey, coupled with limited alternative prey biomass.