Dogs in the environment

What is it about?

Domestic dogs have a significant deleterious effect upon native wildlife in Tasmania, Australia. This is through (a) direct predation and injury and (b) disturbance during breeding, feeding and/or roosting. This reduces the effectiveness of foraging and breeding, resulting in poor condition and reduced reproductive success.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Two databases used for recording wildlife presenting for care as a result of injury or becoming orphans were analysed to assess the main causes of injury. Vehicles were the major factor, with dogs as the next most significant factor recorded, followed by cats. This is significant for urban natural areas management, typically by local councils, as dogs are not often recognised as being a danger to wildlife.