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Dryad

Data from: High early life mortality in free-ranging dogs is largely influenced by humans

Cite this dataset

Paul, Manabi et al. (2016). Data from: High early life mortality in free-ranging dogs is largely influenced by humans [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.80dc6

Abstract

Free-ranging dogs are a ubiquitous part of human habitations in many developing countries, leading a life of scavengers dependent on human wastes for survival. The effective management of free-ranging dogs calls for understanding of their population dynamics. Life expectancy at birth and early life mortality are important factors that shape life-histories of mammals. We carried out a five year-long census based study in seven locations of West Bengal, India, to understand the pattern of population growth and factors affecting early life mortality in free-ranging dogs. We observed high rates of mortality, with only ~19% of the 364 pups from 95 observed litters surviving till the reproductive age; 63% of total mortality being human influenced. While living near people increases resource availability for dogs, it also has deep adverse impacts on their population growth, making the dog-human relationship on streets highly complex.

Usage notes

Location

India