Distribution and population status of the African wild dog in Bicuar National Park, Angola: Insights from interview-based surveys and camera trapping

The endangered status of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) calls for conservation urgency, which requires relevant ecological information targeting population patches. However, current information on wild dogs & PRIME;population estimates and ecological traits are still lacking in countries like Angola due to long periods of political unrest and vast areas which are poorly accessible to vehicles. To address this need, we assessed the overall distribution and population status of African wild dogs in Bicuar National Park, southwestern Angola. We also examined the availability of potential prey and sympatric competitors in this woodland habitat. This was achieved through Local Ecological Knowledge using semi-structured interviews to park rangers stationed at all vigilance posts, and complemented with camera trapping. Reported sightings show that wild dogs are distributed throughout Bicuar NP, with group sizes ranging from 2 to 38 individuals, including pups. Our findings confirm the presence of a resident breeding population of wild dogs, with available prey base consisting mostly of small to medium sized prey species such as duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia)/steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) and bush pig (Potamochoerus larvatus). The only large competing carnivores are the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) and leopard (Panthera pardus). Overall, results from this study add to the limited information for this species in Angola, revealing Bicuar NP as a stronghold for the conservation of this endangered canid and highlighting the need for several management actions. Furthermore, local knowledge from park rangers can provide a cost-effective approach to survey elusive species in remote regions, which could be implemented in other areas of Angola where baseline information on wild dogs or other threatened wildlife is urgently needed.