protecting people protecting agriculture protecting wildlife livestock protection dogs: encouraging...
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Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs:Encouraging effective and responsible use for reducing
predator/livestock/human conflictsLiving with Wildlife while Managing Working Landscapes
Hopland Research & Extension CenterDec 1st – 2nd, 2015
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Resource Management Specialist
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Resource Management Specialist
Assist WS in broadening knowledge in the use of non lethal wildlife damage management methods and approaches
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Resource Management Specialist
Assist WS in broadening knowledge in the use of non lethal wildlife damage management methods and approaches Primary focus on livestock protection/predation management
methods
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Resource Management Specialist
Assist WS in broadening knowledge in the use of non lethal wildlife damage management methods and approaches Primary focus on livestock protection/predation management
methods Livestock Protection Dogs
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Resource Management Specialist
Assist WS in broadening knowledge in the use of non lethal wildlife damage management methods and approaches Primary focus on livestock protection/predation management
methods Livestock Protection Dogs
Resource for WS partners/stakeholders, WS Operational and NWRC personnel Communication Development of informational material Outreach
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Sheep and Lambs US Predator losses 194,395 118,032 credited to coyotes
61% of predator related losses
Sheep and Lamb Predator and Nonpredator Death Loss in the United States, 2015USDA/APHIS/VS National Animal Health Monitoring System, September 2015
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Integrated Wildlife Damage Management
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Integrated Wildlife Damage Management
IWDM encompasses the integration and application of all approved methods of prevention and management to reduce wildlife damage
WS Directive 2.105
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Integrated Wildlife Damage Management for Livestock Protection
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Integrated Wildlife Damage Managementfor Livestock Protection
Methods can generally be divided into- Control (Predator population management)
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Integrated Wildlife Damage Managementfor Livestock Protection
Methods can generally be divided into- Control (Predator population management)- Preventative (Adaptive deterrent management)
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Control methods usually are put into place after damage has occurred and are targeted at specific animals; usually lethal to the predator
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Preventative methods are implemented prior to predation problems and are generally non-lethal to the predators
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Resource Management
Animal Husbandry Night penning Shed lambing Range riding
Guard Animals Dogs, llamas, donkeys
Carcass Management Remove/dispose of attractants
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Physical Exclusion
Fencing
Predator-resistant Fences
Temporary Fencing
Barriers, Netting, and Other Exclusion Methods
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Harassment
Lights
Sounds
Human presence
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The Wildlife Society states:
“Prevention or control of wildlife damage, which often includes removal of the animals responsible for the damage, is an essential and responsible part of wildlife management.”
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Must be recognized that no tool is 100 percent effective and there is no “once size fits all”
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Livestock Protection Dogs
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In the late 1970’s, a resurgence in the use of Livestock Dogs for sheep protection began
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In the late 1970’s, a resurgence in the use of Livestock Dogs for sheep protection began
Result of:
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In the late 1970’s, a resurgence in the use of Livestock Dogs for sheep protection began
Result of:
Federal restrictions on the use of predacides
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
In the late 1970’s, a resurgence in the use of Livestock Dogs for sheep protection began
Result of:
Federal restrictions on the use of predacides
Inability of existing techniques to provide adequate relief from predation
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In the late 1970’s, a resurgence in the use of Livestock Dogs for sheep protection began
Result of:
Federal restrictions on the use of predacides
Inability of existing techniques to provide adequate relief from predation
Desire by some to use a non-lethal approach
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Livestock Protection Dogs (LPDs)
LPDs have been used around the world for centuries
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Livestock Protection Dogs (LPDs)
LPDs have been used around the world for centuries While LPDs are most commonly used to protect sheep,
they are also helpful in protecting other livestock from predators
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Livestock Protection Dogs (LPDs)
LPDs have been used around the world for centuries While LPDs are most commonly used to protect sheep,
they are also helpful in protecting other livestock from predators
LPDs are working dogs that stay with or near sheep most of the time, with the purpose of aggressively repelling predators
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Livestock protection dogs are an important component of managing predation on small-farm flocks and on large landscapes, including public lands (US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management grazing allotments)
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Producer costs to implement predator control methods (US)
Shed Lambing Fencing Trapping/ Cap-ture Devices
Livestock Protec-tion Dogs
Call/Shoot Other $-
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
$14,000
$16,000
$18,000
$20,000
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Cost and Effect of Predation Prevention Measures (US)
Shed Lambing Fencing Trapping/ Capture Devices
Livestock Protection Dogs
Call/ Shoot $-
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
$14,000
$16,000
$18,000
$20,000
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Cost to Implement Very Effective Somewhat Effective Not Effective
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Livestock Protection Dogs
Pros
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Livestock Protection Dogs
Pros• LPDs can guard a variety of livestock
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs
Pros• LPDs can guard a variety of livestock• LPDs are typically able to analyze threats
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs
Pros• LPDs can guard a variety of livestock• LPDs are typically able to analyze threats• LPDs bond to the livestock they are protecting
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs
Pros• LPDs can guard a variety of livestock• LPDs are typically able to analyze threats• LPDs bond to the livestock they are protecting• LPDs may alert the producer to potential threats
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs
Pros• LPDs can guard a variety of livestock• LPDs are typically able to analyze threats• LPDs bond to the livestock they are protecting• LPDs may alert the producer to potential threats• LPDs may allow for greater pasture use and grazing
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs
Pros• LPDs can guard a variety of livestock• LPDs are typically able to analyze threats• LPDs bond to the livestock they are protecting• LPDs may alert the producer to potential threats• LPDs may allow for greater pasture use and grazing• LPDS provide long term protection, as predators do not
become accustomed or habituated to the dogs
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Livestock Protection Dogs
Cons
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Livestock Protection Dogs
Cons• LPDs may kill the livestock they are protecting
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Livestock Protection Dogs
Cons• LPDs may kill the livestock they are protecting• LPDs may harass and kill non-target wildlife
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs
Cons• LPDs may kill the livestock they are protecting• LPDs may harass and kill non-target wildlife• LPDs may wander unless adequately fenced
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs
Cons• LPDs may kill the livestock they are protecting• LPDs may harass and kill non-target wildlife• LPDs may wander unless adequately fenced• LPDs may be aggressive to strangers
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Livestock Protection Dogs
Cons• LPDs may kill the livestock they are protecting• LPDs may harass and kill non-target wildlife• LPDs may wander unless adequately fenced• LPDs may be aggressive to strangers• LPDs may not tolerate herding or other farm dogs
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs
Cons• LPDs may kill the livestock they are protecting• LPDs may harass and kill non-target wildlife• LPDs may wander unless adequately fenced• LPDs may be aggressive to strangers• LPDs may not tolerate herding or other farm dogs• LPDs need time and guidance to mature properly
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs
Cons• LPDs may kill the livestock they are protecting• LPDs may harass and kill non-target wildlife• LPDs may wander unless adequately fenced• LPDs may be aggressive to strangers• LPDs may not tolerate herding or other farm dogs• LPDs need time and guidance to mature properly• LPDS will bark, especially at night
Protecting PeopleProtecting AgricultureProtecting Wildlife
Livestock Protection Dogs
Cons• LPDs may kill the livestock they are protecting• LPDs may harass and kill non-target wildlife• LPDs may wander unless adequately fenced• LPDs may be aggressive to strangers• LPDs may not tolerate herding or other farm dogs• LPDs need time and guidance to mature properly• LPDS will bark, especially at night• LPDs cannot be used in conjunction with most other
predator control methods (traps, snares, poisons)
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Protecting the Resource
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Protecting the ResourceEducation
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Protecting the Resource
Producer Responsibility
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Increasingly, more and more people are seeking to use public lands for a variety of purposes. This use includes hiking, biking, horseback riding, ect., in some areas historically utilized forlivestock grazing.Unfortunately, harmoniousco-existence is threatenedby increased LPD/humanconflict.
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Additionally, increasing urbanization has led to a number of conflicts between livestock protection dogs and neighbors in historically rural areas.
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U.S. & WORLD
Ranching, recreation collide in the great outdoors
The mountain biker was excited about her big race in Colorado's wilderness. And nothing irked the sheepherder like the sports crowd. It was a disaster waiting to happen.By Nicholas RiccardiNovember 27, 2009Reporting from Camp Hale, Colo.
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Fierce sheepdogs alarming tourists in SW ColoradoModified: January 29, 2012 at 12:00 am • Published: January 29, 2012
Photo by Gazette File
SILVERTON — Turkish sheepdogs prized for their fierceness are raising concerns they may be a little too tough for the southwest Colorado communities where ranchers are using them.
The Akbash dogs weigh up to 120 pounds and are especially aggressive toward animals near the sheep they guard. But that can include hikers and other backcountry tourists, prompting debate about whether the breed should be regulated.
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Livestock Protection DogBest Management Practices
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What are BMPs?
Recommendations to enhance the professional qualifications and judgment of livestock producers utilizing LPDs
Optimizes the use of LPDs Minimizes conflicts
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http://www.sheepusa.org/IssuesPrograms_Programs_LivestockProtectionDogs
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Cooperative effort involving:
USDA Wildlife Services
US Forest Service
US Bureau of Land Management
American Sheep Industry
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http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/wildlife_damage/index.shtml
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Protecting the Resource
Research
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Wolves kill 120 sheep at ranch near DillonBy EVE BYRON of the Helena Independent Record | Posted: Friday, August 28, 2009 6:30 amHELENA
GYC NewsSeptember 03, 2009Carol Ryan Dumas | Capital Press
…a sheep producer from Terreton, Idaho,suffered $40,000 inlosses this summer due to wolf predation. He said wolves killedmore than 100 rams, ewes and lambs and six guard dogs in 11separate incidents in his grazing areas in Eastern Idaho andWestern Wyoming.
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QUESTIONS?