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Activities undertaken in 2002Radio-Collaring
Radio-collars were supplied by Sirtrack Ltd, New Zealand. Each collar has an anti-snare device in the form of a metal plate at the base of the neck, designed to entangle snare wire to prevent it from tightening on the dog's neck and strangling it. The collars also have the additional advantage of protecting the dogs in areas outside the park, as farmers are less likely to shoot a collared animal. Wild dog ecological data
Sighting questionnaire forms were distributed throughout the Park and GMA to each safari camp to collect wild dog sightings data in game-drive areas. Data recorded at each sighting included: vegetation type to identify the dog's preferences for hunting and breeding areas; pack composition at each sighting; presence of the competitive predators lion (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta); and prey species and sex. Photographs were requested from tourists whenever available. Geographic Positioning System (GPS) coordinates were taken at each sighting to facilitate mapping of each pack’s home range and to identify high risk areas. Inter-predator competitionSpotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) audio surveyHyaena density was determined using highly amplified playbacks of noises found to attract spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta), adapted from three methodologies; Mills (1985), Creel and Creel (1996), and Monks (pers. comm.). Where methodologies differed that used by Monks was chosen so that data would be compatible with that for Mana Pools National Park, which is part of the same river valley as the LZNP. Sounds played included noises of a bleating wildebeest calf, spotted hyaenas mobbing lions, an inter-clan hyaena fight, hyaenas squabbling on a kill (provided by M.G.L. Mills), and noises of a squealing pig (provided by N. Monks). Approaching hyaenas were observed by two to eight people in two to three vehicles using high intensity spotlights and binoculars. The majority of hyaenas stayed at the site until the end of the playbacks. The maximum number of hyaenas simultaneously in view was recorded. All other carnivores that appeared were noted. Hyaenas heard whooping but not seen at the time of the count at each site were counted. These hyaenas are thought to be itinerants which may not be members of the local clan and therefore may not be confident enough to confront the intruders (the taped animals) directly (Mills, 1985). An area of approximately 360 square km of the Zambian valley floor was sampled biannually, along a transect of 80km of road running southwest to northeast. The sample area included the Eastern Chiawa Game Management Area (GMA) and the Lower Zambezi National Park safari area. The tapes were audible to hyaenas approximately three km away. Survey sites were chosen for good visibility and spaced an average of 10.6 km apart to minimise the chance of double counting. Lion (Panthera leo) censusA lion census was carried out to investigate the effect of lion densities and movements on the LZNP African wild dog population. The survey was carried out with the assistance of the safari camps in the area and visually identified individual lions, groups and prides. Safari camps regularly track the lions in their area so accurate identification of most animals and their home ranges was possible throughout the National Park and GMA. Identification was confirmed and photographically recorded by AWDC. The census is carried out annually to record fluctuations in the lion population. Vegetation surveySatellite maps of the National Park and surrounding areas were purchased in 2002. These are being used to overlay information on lion and hyaena densities and home ranges, to see how competitive predators effect wild dog preferences for hunting and breeding in different vegetation densities. A basic vegetation survey was carried out in 2Q01 to confirm by ground transect the vegetation types identified from the satellite maps. The main objective was to confirm the dominant plant species present to characterise each vegetation type. Methods included a descriptive survey of species present in each vegetation type, and quantitative data collection on percentage vegetation cover and visual density in each area (see AWDC Annual Report 2001). The survey was continued in 2002 to include thick “jesse bush” vegetation zones identified from the satellite maps. Biological samplesDNA analysisSeveral types of biological samples are being used for genetic analysis. Faecal samples were collected opportunistically in and around known den areas, or when following a wild dog pack. Blood and tissue samples were also taken during immobilisation of wild dogs for radio collaring and snare removals, and from any reported mortalities. A reliable method of DNA extraction from wild dog faecal samples is being developed. Dogs in the remote Kafue and Luangwa National Parks are being surveyed by photographic/sighting data and opportunistic faecal collection. The faecal survey will allow typing of a large number of samples and eliminate the need for darting or immobilising the dogs to obtain samples. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) will be used to fit genetic data from the Zambian population into a larger survey of wild dogs from eastern and southern Africa. This will give information on the phylogenetic history of the dogs and is essential for any future translocations or reintroductions of wild dogs into areas in Zambia. Genetic samples from different generations of wild dogs within the LZNP will be analysed using microsatellite data to test parentage lines. In most cases only the alpha pair within a wild dog pack will breed, but there are some occurrences where subordinate dogs breed or where litters may have mixed parentage (Creel et al., 1997; Girman et al., 1997). The packs within the LZNP will also be investigated for inbreeding, as they are a small and possibly geographically restricted population. Disease testingBlood serum has been isolated from samples to test for disease anti-bodies in the wild dog population and investigate whether they have had prior exposure to pathogens. This will identify high risk areas within the dogs’ home range areas. EducationTwo thousand full colour educational leaflets were produced in 2001 and were further distributed in 2002 through safari camps in the area to international visitors, as well as to local conservation bodies such as Conservation Lower Zambezi in the National Park and Munda Wanga Wildlife Park in Lusaka. One thousand full colour educational posters are being distributed to local schools in the immediate area and in Lusaka, along with educational talks being given to the children. |
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© Afrikeye 1999 - 2007 (certain items under permission of original copyright owner) |
All resident packs in the Lower Zambezi National Park have been radio-collared. This allows monitoring of pack movements and home ranges can then be established. To achieve this, the dogs were darted and chemically immobilised, then the radio-collar was fitted.
Identification photographs and behavioural data were collected by digital video camera and then transferred into AWDC’s database. In this way each animal was identified through its individual coat pattern, and movements of individuals between packs (emigration and recruitment) have been traced.