Abstract
A 10-day rapid assessment has confirmed a small population of indigenous wild-living dogs in the highlands of Papua Province, Indonesia. The goal of the assessment was to observe, census, assess health and reproductive status, and collect biological samples or other data for this understudied canid. Trail cameras and DNA hair traps were deployed and baited with scent attractants, and game calls were used to elicit vocal responses or lure the dogs within observation range. Adults and pups of both sexes as well as a den were documented in 149 photographs. DNA testing of scat samples confirmed a canid origin with a close relationship to other oceanic canids including NGSD (New Guinea Singing Dog) and dingoes.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | Australian Mammalogy |
DOIs | |
State | Accepted/In press - Jan 1 2019 |
Keywords
- canid
- dingo
- New Guinea singing dog
- NGSD
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Animal Science and Zoology