Dados do Trabalho

Título

Spatial distribution and population dynamics of free-roaming (stray and semi-domiciled) dogs in a major Brazilian city

Introdução

Despite estimates and modeling have been proposed to measure free-roaming (stray and semi-domiciled) dog population, no study to date has focused on major three-border areas, particularly in developing countries. As reportedly suggested, spatial distribution and population dynamics of free-roaming dogs have been varied accordingly environmental, social, economic and cultural factors. In addition, developing country border areas have been related with low human development index, environmental concerns and illegal practices that may trigger vulnerabilities in a One Health perspective. Besides few dog population estimates, modeling, no study to date has focused on major border areas, particularly in developing countries, particularly in developing countries worldwide.

Objetivo (s)

Accordingly, the present study has aimed to assess the free-roaming dog population of Foz do Iguaçu, a major far-west Brazilian city located in a three-border area (Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay), considered among the top-5 touristic Brazilian destinations, and ranked as 97th in population, 526th in Human Development Index (HDI), and 59th in Gross Domestic Product out of 5,568 municipalities in Brazil at the time. 

Material e Métodos

A total of three capture-release samplings, with a six-month interval and 10-day duration were performed, totalizing 18 months. The first incursion occurred from October 15th to 26th 2018, the second from April 15th to 26th 2019, and the third from October 14th to 25th 2019. 

Resultados e Conclusão

In overall, a total of 1,273 dogs were estimated at the first (95%CI 468–2,078 dogs), 904 at the second (95%CI 452–1,355 dogs) and 1,564 at the third (95%CI 521–2,607 dogs) capture, suggesting a population density of 18.4 dogs/km2 (6.1-30.6 dogs/km2, 95%CI) at the end of the study. Out of all free-roaming dogs, 452/1,125 (40.2%) were stray with no confirmed ownership or household, 672/1,125 (59.8%) had known origin, of which 625/1,125 (55.6%) were semi-domiciled with ownership or household, 36/1,125 (3.2%) were neighborhood dogs with maintainers, and 11/1,125 (1.0%) were owned by recycling material collectors and homeless individuals. 

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