Global Ecology and Conservation (Oct 2024)
Dog invasions in protected areas: A case study using camera trapping, citizen science and artificial intelligence
Abstract
Domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, wandering into natural habitats poses a grave threat to wildlife, increasing predation pressure and disease risk and disrupting the ecological balance within ecosystems. This study examines the presence of dogs in a European Protected Area (PA), Doñana National Park (SW Spain), where their access is strictly restricted, and explores how dog presence relates to potential access points. We utilised classifications provided by citizen science and artificial intelligence, subsequently validated by experts, to detect dogs within 5200,000 photos taken by 60 camera traps randomly deployed across the PA from October 2020 to January 2024. We discovered 33 dogs, primarily in groups of 2–5 individuals, recorded across 31 detection events at 22 camera locations. Dogs were detected ranging from 10 to 42 km2 (Minimum Convex Polygon) within the PA. The detection probability of dogs increased by 0.22 log odds per kilometre closer to a village (corresponding to an increase from 0.5 to approximately 0.55) bordering the PA and exceeded 0.9 near it. Our data revealed three types of dogs wandering within the PA: dogs accompanying poachers, free-roaming dogs living in nearby human settlements, and stray dogs, most likely relying on the PA resources. Urgent actions are needed in Doñana as dogs pose severe threats to endangered species like the Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus (six adult female lynx documented killed by dogs). We recommend raising awareness among local authorities of free-roaming dogs, particularly in settlements close to PAs, where their presence should be banned. Regularly monitoring dog presence within PAs is crucial to prevent invasions and their associated impacts. Our findings underscore the importance of using camera traps and integrating artificial intelligence with citizen science to monitor invasive species effectively.
