Free-roaming dogs threaten giant panda habitat
Historically, free-roaming dogs have hunted and exposed giant pandas to a myriad of diseases. Two nature reserves with contrasting free-roaming dog populations were investigated to better understand the spacial magnitude of the threat on giant panda habitats.
Spatial analysis indicated that giant pandas at nature reserve Liziping (but not Daxiangling) showed a shift in habitat use away from populated areas consistent with a risk response to the territory of free-roaming dogs.
Most giant panda locations (86%) from the 2014 census in Liziping were clustered around remote "dog-free zones." Expanding this analysis across the entire giant panda range revealed that 40% of panda habitat is within the foray distance of dogs.
It is recommended that reserves designated for the release of translocated pandas receive priority consideration for dog control efforts.
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