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New Study Reveals How Climate Change Impacts Wild Dog Reproduction
Berlin, Germany – January 19, 2024 – A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that climate change is negatively impacting the reproductive success of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW), James Cook University, and University College Cork found that increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns are disrupting the timing of reproduction in this endangered species.
The study,based on long-term data collected in Botswana,demonstrates a link between climate variability and reduced pup survival rates. Specifically, warmer temperatures during the breeding season were associated with lower birth weights and increased pup mortality. Changes in rainfall patterns also affected the availability of prey, further exacerbating the challenges faced by wild dog packs.
“Our findings highlight the vulnerability of African wild dogs to climate change,” says Dr. Viktoriia Radchuk, lead author of the study and scientist at the Leibniz-IZW. “These animals are already facing numerous threats, including habitat loss and conflict with humans. Climate change is adding another layer of complexity to their conservation.”
The research team used advanced statistical modeling to analyze over 30 years of data on wild dog reproduction and climate conditions. Their results suggest that continued warming and altered rainfall patterns could lead to importent declines in wild dog populations in the future.
“Understanding how climate change affects wildlife reproduction is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies,” adds Dr.Martijn van de Pol, Associate Professor in Ecological Modelling at James Cook University. “Our study provides valuable insights into the specific mechanisms by which climate change is impacting African wild dogs, and can inform efforts to mitigate these effects.”
Dr. tom Reed, Senior lecturer in Zoology at University College Cork, emphasizes the need for collaborative conservation efforts. “Protecting wild dog populations requires a multi-faceted approach, including habitat preservation, conflict mitigation, and addressing the impacts of climate change.”
Publication: Radchuk, V., et al. (2024). Climate change disrupts reproduction in an endangered canid. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-68172-8
Contacts:
Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW)
in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.
Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
Dr Viktoriia Radchuk
Scientist in the Department of Ecological Dynamics
phone: +49 (0)30 5168454
cell: +49(0)1575 6038711
email: radchuk@izw-berlin.de
Jan Zwilling
Science interaction
phone: +49(0)30 5168121
cell: +49(0)1512 6764603
email: zwilling@izw-berlin.de
James Cook University
Dr Martijn van de Pol
Associate Professor in Ecological modelling
phone: +61 (0)7 478 15580
email: martijn.vandepol@jcu.edu.au
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