NWRC Predator Research Facility Julie K. Young, Ph.D.
Ecological relationships Wild & urban landscapes Focus on livestock, T&E species, economically/socially valuable species
Control methods Focus on species-specific nonlethal & lethal tools Improve specificity, implementation guidelines, & humanness
PAPP Problem Modify para-aminopropiophenone (methaemoglobin forming compound) to increase efficacy for lethal removal of coyotes Methods Tested newer formulation from Australia Results 66.1 mg/kg of PAPP acts as a lethal toxicant for coyotes Death within two hours New Problem Some undesirable symptoms & high dosage
PAPP Next steps Validate methaemoglobin tests for coyotes (using human data now) Reduce absorption time and dosage Work with New Zealand chemist on formulation modifications Retest new formula
Fladry Fladry reduces livestock depredation by coyotes & wolves Problem Coiling flags lead to breaks in the barrier created by fladry, lessening the likelihood of depredation prevention
Fladry Fladry reduces livestock depredation by coyotes & wolves Problem Coiling flags lead to breaks in the barrier created by fladry, lessening the likelihood of depredation prevention Methods Created 6 designs Test each design using 2 materials Rip-stop nylon & marine vinyl
Fladry Fladry reduces livestock depredation by coyotes & wolves Problem Coiling flags lead to breaks in the barrier created by fladry, lessening the likelihood of depredation prevention Methods Created 6 designs Test each design using 2 materials Rip-stop nylon & marine vinyl Product 2 designs that do not coil
Fladry Fladry reduces livestock depredation by coyotes & wolves
Sterilization Sterilization significantly reduces livestock depredation Problem Surgical sterilization is invasive & costly
Sterilization Sterilization significantly reduces livestock depredation Problem Surgical sterilization is invasive & costly Methods Test Gonacon in males, Gonacon in females, & GnRH implants in males Compare to vasectomized males Measure hormones and behavior
Sterilization Sterilization significantly reduces livestock depredation Problem Surgical sterilization is invasive & costly Methods Test Gonacon in males, Gonacon in females, & GnRH implants in males Compare to vasectomized males Measure hormones and behavior Status Behavior is similar 14-16 females pregnant (of 18 treated)
Sterilization Sterilization significantly reduces livestock depredation Problem Surgical sterilization is invasive & costly Methods Test Gonacon in males, Gonacon in females, & GnRH implants in males Compare to vasectomized males Measure hormones and behavior Status Behavior is similar 14-16 females pregnant (of 18 treated) Expected Products Modifications to chemical sterilization techniques Chemical sterilization technique to test on wild coyotes
Livestock Protection Dog Advantages of LPDs Alert herdsman Alert livestock Flocking behavior Improved foraging behavior Chase, fight, or kill predators
Livestock Protection Dog Advantages of LPDs Alert herdsman Alert livestock Flocking behavior Improved foraging behavior Chase, fight, or kill predators Disadvantages of LPDs Legal issues of LPDs Creation of signs & brochures Use of human-friendly breeds (& training) Wolves may injure or kill LPDs
Legal issues
Objective Identify which breeds of LPDs are effective at protecting livestock from wolves (& grizzly bears)
Methods Compare European breeds to currently used US breeds of LPDs Measure behavior, livestock survival, & predator response
Breeds
Kangals Turkey, mastiff Males 65-78 cm 50-63 kg
Karakachan Ancient breed Males: 63-75 cm 40-55 kg
Cão de Gado Transmontano Mastiff dog of great size Males: 74-84 cm 55-65 kg
White dogs Akbash, Anatolian, Pyrenees, Komondor, Maremma, & cross breeds
Methods Monitor space use GPS & VHF collars on bears, wolves, and LPDs GPS tags on sheep Monitor LPD behavior Encounter rates Response to predators Sheep survival across treatments Human perceptions
Status Completed pilot study 13 LPDs monitored across 5 sheep bands in MT & ID
Status Completed pilot study 13 LPDs monitored across 5 sheep bands in MT & ID Completed first full field season 45 LPDs monitored across 15 sheep bands in MT, ID, OR, & WA
Status Completed pilot study 13 LPDs monitored across 5 sheep bands in MT & ID Completed first full field season 45 LPDs monitored across 15 sheep bands in MT, ID, OR, & WA Placing additional LPDs for upcoming field season in MT, ID, OR, WA, & WY ~16 producers/20 sheep bands involved
Expected products Signage to reduce liability (completed) Breed recommendations Best management practices for new LPDs
Thank you