Finding a safe space: Denning range dynamics of African wild dogs in Zimbabwe

Abstract African wild dogs utilise a den for ~10–12 weeks after birthing, during which home ranges are contracted and usually in areas away from roads and water sources, with low prey and predator abundances, high terrain ruggedness and vegetation cover. Our study in Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC) investigated which ecological and environmental factors determine the selection of denning areas and behaviours. Camera trap data collected from four den grids and three random den grids were analysed using binomial generalised linear and occupancy models. Denning wild dogs preferred areas with higher kudu and impala presence and areas closer to roads and water sources. Wild dogs may den in areas we perceive as riskier in an attempt to reduce energy expenditure when hunting. The detection of wild dogs strongly decreased with higher lion presence, while increasing with steeper slopes, higher vegetation cover and leopard presence. Given lion habitat preferences, SVC wild dogs could be using areas which reduce their exposure to lions, while solitary leopards do not necessarily pose a risk to wild dog packs. Our study highlights that the denning behaviours of wild dogs may be inconsistent both within and among populations, and that comprehensive research approaches be taken to understand their denning behaviours, assisting the development of appropriate management/conservation strategies.