BACKGROUND
The human-caused regression of the Iberian wolf in Portugal, mainly since the 1970's, was followed by the progressive loss of traditional habits of livestock protection against predators. After 1988, when wolves became protected, husbandry practices were no longer adapted to the presence of wolves that hence were also starting to recover. Mostly, there was a lack of appropriate livestock guarding dogs, due to a lack of access to good working dogs, and a lack of the knowledge needed for their proper raising and maintenance, ensuring they become efficient guardians. Due to the scarcity of wild prey (namely, roe and red deer) the wolf is highly dependent on livestock. Damages are compensated by the state, following the wolf protection law, being dependant on the existence of prevention measures, namely the use of LGDs.
DESCRIPTION
The Livestock Guarding Dog Program (LGD Program) was initiated in 1996, in the scope of the wolf conservation strategy established by Grupo Lobo, and has been running since. Its main goal is to promote the recovery of autochthonous breeds of livestock guarding dogs as an effective tool to prevent wolf damages on livestock, thus contribute to increase farmer’s tolerance towards the presence of that endangered predator. Dogs are donated to farmers, regularly monitored and evaluated as adults to assess their efficacy.
PRINCIPLE
Pups around 2 months old are donated to farmers that register wolf damages on livestock or are in areas of wolf expansion. The pups are vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped, and an agreement is established with the farmer, in order to ensure the dogs’ welfare and their compliance with adequate raising procedures to allow dogs to become effective guardians. Apart from the support provided to farmers (e.g. dog food, veterinary care, as well as breeding, technical, and legal advice), the dogs’ physical and behavioural development is monitored until adulthood (18-24 months of age), at which time an assessment of their performance is made.
CONDITIONS OF SUCCESS
Adequate pup selection (descending from healthy and good working stock), proper maintenance and raising conditions (namely during the bonding period), regular monitoring and prompt control of inadequate behaviours. Providing technical support to less experienced farmers, as well as adequate veterinary care and food for the dogs, is important to ensure the success of the measure. State subsidies for dog care and maintenance, have allowed the expansion of the measure, but are still insufficient. Inform about the presence of the dogs, and raise awareness regarding their important function and behaviour, and on how to behave when confronted with them, to avoid problems with the local community and tourists.
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