Masters Thesis

An individual-based model for the dispersal of the South African wild dog population in the KwaZulu-Natal Province

The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is facing a high risk of extinction with fewer than 5,000 individuals living in fragmented landscapes. After an absence of nearly 50 years, several sub-populations of wild dogs have been reintroduced into isolated, fenced game reserves in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. To better understand the effect of natural dispersal on the African wild dog population in KZN, we developed a spatially explicit individual-based model employing the software NetLogo. Wild dogs reintroduced into Phinda Munyawan Conservancy, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park and Zululand Rhino Reserve had the greatest dispersal success while wild dogs reintroduced into Ithala Game Reserve, Ndumo Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Park displayed the least successful dispersal and persistence. This information will aid researchers and wildlife managers in determining effective, cost-efficient management plans for the KZN wild dog population and can be further extended to all of South Africa.

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