Transcript Feral Donkeys on the Karpaz Penninsula

Feral Donkeys on the
Karpaz Penninsula
Populations and Implication for Natural Ecosystems
John P. Carroll
Richard Hamrick
Serife Gunduz
Tahir Pirgalioglu
Background
 Numerous researchers have documented the adverse
effects of feral donkeys Equus asinus introduced to
semi-arid ecosystems.
 With the release of feral donkeys and potential
increasing populations in natural habitats in northern
Cyprus, there is concern for negative impacts on
vegetation and native species.
What is the Cyprus Donkey?
 Species Equus Asinus
 Domesticated livestock derived from the African wild
ass
 Originally found in north and northeast Africa
 Adapted to live in arid and semi-arid environments
 Long history as a work with domestication occurring
about 3000BC
 Likely on Cyprus almost that long
What is feral?
 Dictionary Definition
 (of animals and plants) existing in a wild state, esp. after
being domestic or cultivated
 Feral Donkeys
 Like many species of livestock widely introduced by
humans—global distribution
 Easily adapts to feral state in semi-arid environments
 With absence of persecution and large predators
populations increase rapidly
 Eradication programs instituted in many areas
Situation in Cyprus
 Two major contributions
 Modernization of agriculture—no need for donkeys as work
animals
 Division of island in 1973
 “Solution” was to capture feral animals and release in
enclosure on Karpaz Peninsula
 Like any enclosure animals escaped and have moved
widely
What is the Problem?
 Rapid population increases
 Damage to native vegetation
 Some species might even become extirpated
 Changes in vegetation negatively impact native species
 Core area for donkey population
 Region is of great conservation importance
 National park status for part
 Virtually no information on Cyprus donkey biology or impacts
 Cyprus donkeys have a dedicated following among the human
population
Decisions must be made?
 Cyprus donkeys are a unique breed of domestic
livestock—most can agree on that issue.
 Do Cyprus donkeys belong in feral condition?
 Are they damaging natural ecosystems?
 What can be done if they need to be removed from
natural ecosystems?
Where to Start?
 Determining what you have?
 In part done with completed abundance project
 Density 6.7 donkeys/km2; total abundance was 800 donkeys
on 132.5 km2 study area
 However, more research and monitoring is needed
 Distribution
 Additional abundance estimates
 Basic natural history studies
 Are the creating problems in the wild?
 Vegetation studies
 Biodiversity studies
Possible Solutions?
 Manage donkeys as a feral population with abundance at
level where damage to ecosystem is minimal
 Remove feral population from natural ecosystems all
together
 Both solutions fraught with difficulties
Managing Feral Populations
 Culling
 Adoption
 Fencing
 Sterilization
All have problems—Australia
systems….
 Trapping or mustering feral donkeys so that they may be
sold for commercial purposes. This technique, while
potentially effective is expensive and time consuming
over large areas.
 Aerial culling. This management practice requires
extensive training of personnel because of the
significant potential danger to humans as well as animal
welfare concerns. Aerial culling is one of the most
effective, environmentally friendly and humane
methods of removing large feral animals because it is
target-specific and if implemented correctly will result
in a rapid death, with very little suffering to the animal.
From Australia NT
More from Australia….
 On-ground culling. This technique is humane and
relatively cost-effective compared with many of the
other techniques, but is limited to accessible terrains.
 Fertility control is a non-lethal approach to feral
donkey management but it is currently of limited use.
Fertility control techniques are difficult to administer to
large numbers of feral donkeys and the treatment would
need to be repeated often to be effective. There is very
little evidence to suggest that this procedure would be
effective or feasible for controlling large numbers of
feral animals.
Feral donkey removal from
natural ecosystems….
 Many of the same problems and techniques
just outlined
 However, will be more cost effective
because even if not 100% population
recovery much slower
 Likely best option for either management
program is use of multiple techniques
Human Issue
 Humane management of feral donkeys
 Often public thinks leave them alone
 I argue that leaving domestic donkeys in wild is inhumane
 They are domestic animals who have thousands of years of
human husbandry
 Public needs to be part of solution
 If capture is part of management then donkey advocates
must provide solutions on adoption and management
 If movement to captive facility is solution then funding for
that needs to be developed
Finally—What are NOT Solutions?
 Ignore issue and assume it will go away
 Populations will continue to grow
 If not now damaging native ecosystem will in
future
 Supplemental feeding
 Does not work
 Will reduce mortality and increase reproduction
 Animals will still damage ecosystem
Recommendations
 Develop Cyprus donkey management plan
 Research
 Distribution and abundance
 Vegetation exclosure studies
 Natural history
 Monitoring
 Distribution and abundance
 Management
 Plan for population management
 Plan for removal